PCC: We cannot just arrest our way out of gang problem
The West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner today said he is working hard to prevent young people from getting involved with gangs, adding: “We cannot just arrest our way out of this problem”.
David Jamieson said he is battling to ensure young victims of violence do not go on to be “young perpetrators of violence”.
He said he was aware of the issue of gangs in Wolverhampton, which mirrors problems faced by other towns and cities across our region. He said budget restraints had made it difficult for police and other agencies to tackle the problem.
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Mr Jamieson said: “Violence is rising across the country and in the West Midlands too. That violence has played out tragically in Wolverhampton. Sadly the violence that plagues our streets is increasingly involving younger people.
“The lack of youth services and in part ‘off rolling’ and a huge rise in the number of school exclusions are factors in causing the increase in violent crime.
“West Midlands Police has lost £175 million and more than 2,000 officers since 2010. I am driving efficiencies to increase officer numbers by 200, despite those cuts.
"A strong policing response is being delivered, but this is not an issue we can simply arrest our way out of.”
He added: “I am investing in preventing violent crime. I recently launched a new initiative that will see youth workers from the St Giles Trust placed in the A&E department of New Cross Hospital in Wolverhampton.
“Those youth workers will intervene to try and break the cycle of violence. They will try and ensure that young victims of violence do not go on to be young perpetrators of violence.
“Also I am supporting and providing funding for Wolverhampton-based Catch 22, who work with young people to prevent them from getting involved with gangs and support gang members to exit gangs and get into work.
“In addition, I am leading a bid to government to scale-up other preventative work to protect young people. I am hopeful that the government will support my plans and give the West Midlands the investment we need.”
