The MPS is developing a new strategy to tackle gang-related crime and serious youth violence in London. The new approach will enhance our anti-gang activities, improve coordination and tasking, and increase police operations, while making sure our skills and expertise in this area are used more consistently and effectively.
The new plan will also look at how we can enhance our work with partners to divert young people away from gangs so they are able to make more positive contribution to London’s communities.
Trident is already responsible for preventing and investigating shootings in London and is a key part of how we tackle gangs. Contrary to media speculation Trident is not subject to a “radical overhaul”. The MPS aims to build on Trident’s success and develop a co-ordinated police response, whilst working with partners to divert young people away from gangs.
The new approach is being finalised and we will be speaking with our partners and London’s communities to develop our approach.
Claudia Webbe, joint chair of the Trident Independent Advisory Group, said: “With community support it has taken Trident more than ten years to develop its current specialism and expertise in the prevention and investigation of shootings in London. The Trident Independent Advisory Group is pleased to have the assurance from the MPS that Trident is not subject to a complete overhaul, and that it retains its focus on preventing and investigating shootings.”
“In developing the police approach to gang violence in London, we urge the MPS to carefully consider how it engages with London’s communities. This should avoid any over simplification of the term “gang” and work with partners to protect some of the most vulnerable sections of London’s communities.”