Violence Reduction Unit - Strathclyde Police

The police-led Violence Reduction Unit was established in 2005 to work on long-term solutions for tackling violent crime in Scotland. It began with the Strathclyde Police but has been adopted all over Scotland.

It targets violence in all its forms – in schools and the workplace, to violence on our streets and domestic abuse. The Unit has been co-ordinating the Safer Scotland initiative, which was launched last April. As part of that campaign over 12,500 weapons were surrendered to police forces across the country during a knife amnesty.

Based at Strathclyde Police Force Headquarters, the VRU works closely with other professionals, including social workers, health experts and academics. Together, they share information to develop a better understanding of violent behaviour. This is used to create strategies for tackling violent behaviour and to challenge attitudes in society.

Detective Chief Superintendent John Carnochan leads the team, working with a detective sergeant, a principal analyst, an analyst co-ordinator, a researcher, a community safety inspector and an admin officer. The Unit can be contacted at violence.reduction@strathclyde.pnn.police.uk. Alternatively check out the website www.actiononviolence.co.uk