The Focused Deterrence programme is being trialled across five English cities following a £7 million investment by the Home Office and Youth Endowment Fund. The project is aimed at deterring young people from violence. The programme originated in Boston in the USA where it was developed in response to growing gun violence, with suggestions that it can lead to a 33% decrease in crime. It has been adopted successfully across the UK.
The approach involves police, local councils, community organisations, health services, schools, colleges and probation services working together to identify those aged 14 and over involved in or at risk of becoming involved in serious violence. Tailored support is then delivered, including mentoring, facilitation of education, employment and training opportunities, mental health and housing support.
The programme aims to reduce violence by identifying and addressing the underlying causes of violence and working together with communities to prevent it. It is being led by Violence Reduction Units or Networks in Coventry and Wolverhampton, Nottingham, Leicester and Manchester.
The programme began in May 2023 and will run until August 2025, with the University of Hull conducting an evaluation of the programme across the five cities.