The Thames Valley Violence Reduction Unit is a true partnership of organisation from across the communities all determined to tackle violent crime and address the underlying causes. The Home Office has today announced a third year of funding to ensure that the programme can continue across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes.
Deputy Police & Crime Commissioner, Matthew Barber, said:
"Today's announcement of £1.16 million of additional funding for the partnership in Thames Valley is fantastic news. Already the work of the Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) has contributed to a fall in knife crime across the Force area and is embedding new programmes of education, drugs diversion and data-driven intervention.
"Far too often we see young people become both victims and perpetrators of horrific incidents of knife crime and serious violence. This is not just a tragedy for them and their families but a tragedy for us all as a community. The continuation of this funding by the Home Office is a welcome boost to the vitally important work of the VRU. Hard-edged front line policing tactics combined with a truly joined up multi-agency approach can make a real impact on reducing crime and saving lives."
In total the Government has announced £35.5 million, which covers 2021/22, and is the third year of funding for 18 Violence Reduction Units operating across England and Wales. This takes the total invested in Violence Reduction Units to more than £105 million and further delivers on the government’s pledge to crack down on violent crime.
In their first year of activity, initiatives funded by the scheme supported more than 100,000 young people, more than 51,000 of whom were identified as being at high-risk of being involved in criminal and violent activity. They also helped bring police, education leaders, health workers and local government together to share information about the causes of violence and agree a coordinated plan of action to tackle it. This is crucial to preventing crime at a local level.
Work funded by Violence Reduction Units has included prevention work in schools, communities, prisons, hospitals, Pupil Referral Units and police custody suites.
The Home Office, in partnership with the National Police Chiefs’ Council, is hosting a virtual Four Nations conference this week, which will be attended by Minister for Crime and Policing Kit Malthouse. The Minister will hear about the significant work taking place to support young people and discuss the importance of tackling serious violence.
Policing Minister Kit Malthouse said:
"Violence Reduction Units are providing life-changing support to young people.
"The Four Nations conference brings together expert minds to develop ideas and solutions which will make a real difference in tackling serious violence.
"Ultimately these are solutions that will ensure young people are able to lead positive lives and achieve their potential."
National Police Chiefs’ Council Lead for Violence & Vulnerability, Assistant Chief Constable Jackie Sebire, said:
"Less than 2 years ago, Violence Reduction Units (VRUs) were launched to tackle the root causes of serious violence as policing saw an increase in this type of criminality.
"In that time, these specialist units, which work in partnership with other agencies, have already made a significant change in how we approach serious violence and vulnerability, allowing targeted and evidenced-based interventions.
"We welcome the commitment from government in tackling serious violence and this funding will allow the units to continue to support young people and keep communities safe."
In addition to the funding announced today, more than £2 million is being made available via a winter contingency fund package. This money is being delivered through VRUs to local charities and social enterprises that support vulnerable young people at risk of involvement in violence through the lockdown period.
The money forms part of a wider government drive to tackle crime and make communities safer, which includes bringing in 20,000 additional police officers over the next 3 years, 6,620 of which have already been recruited. Since 2019, the government has also invested £106.5 million to boost police operational capacity in the 18 police forces worst affected by serious violence. This is separate to the funding for VRUs.
