APCC response to funding announcement for Violence Reduction Units
APCC Serious Violence Lead Mark Burns-Williamson OBE and member of Serious Violence Task Force Chaired by the Home Secretary, said:
“Whilst acknowledging this welcome investment in helping to establish Violence Reduction Units (VRUs) along similar lines to both the Glasgow and Cardiff models, which have seen success over a number of years, a long-term commitment by Government here also needs to be secured.
“During our conversations with Home Office Ministers and officials, we have made it very clear that there needs to sustained funding for at least the next three to five years over the period of the spending review, if the work around violence reduction is to have a lasting effect on future generations.
“This has been acknowledged by all former Ministers and Home Office officials and we hope an early indication can be given to ensure this vital multi-agency work, led and coordinated by PCCs in tackling violent crime, deserves the priority we have all been highlighting and working towards both locally and nationally.”
APCC Serious Violence Deputy Lead, Marc Jones PCC said:
“This funding to tackle serious violent crime is welcome.
“We know that that best way to reduce violence in our communities is to invest in preventative measures, adopting a whole system public health approach, and that PCCs are best placed to deliver this work locally.
“We will continue to work with the Home Office and our partners to ensure long term investment for all police force areas to tackle the scourge of serious violence.”