Dean met with Chief Inspector Andy Wiseman as he started his new role in Watford, to discuss his priorities for the local area, including an increase in police presence in the town centre, prevention of crime and community engagement.
Hertfordshire Police Force has more officers than ever before.
On a national level, an estimated 136,000 violent offences have been prevented thanks to the government's ‘hotspot’ policing programme and network of Violence Reduction Units (VRUs).
Eighteen areas of England and Wales most blighted by violent crime have been receiving targeted funding for the past three years, to increase police patrols in crime hotspots and provide more support to at-risk young people.
There are also positive indications that homicides and hospital admissions for violent injuries are reducing in these locations as a result of this funding.
Set up in 2019, VRUs are a pioneering multi-agency initiative that brings together local partners in policing, education, health, and local government, to identify vulnerable children and adults and steer them away from a life of crime and violence. Serious youth violence has fallen by 20% since March 2020.
Dean Russell commented, "Prevention is better than a cure and I am pleased the right support is being put in place for at-risk children and young adults as an early intervention to steer them away from a potential life of crime and violence. I will continue to support our police in their efforts to keep us all safe."
Find out more here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/violent-offences-reduced-in-areas-wi…
