New Peer Visits GMP

Tue, 07 September 2010 Courtesy of: Greater Manchester Police

Baroness Helen Newlove has visited Greater Manchester Police to discover how the Xcalibre team is working to divert young people from a life of gangs.

On Monday 6 September 2010, the new House of Lords Conservative Peer, visited the team at Greenheys police station and also spent some time with Chief Constable Peter Fahy.

Xcalibre is GMP's response to tackling guns and gangs across Greater Manchester.

“The work of Xcalibre shows how important it is to divert vulnerable young people at an early age”

Baroness Newlove was shown what the team does to divert young people from gang activities, reducing associated criminality and anti-social behaviour.

Detective Chief Inspector Rick Jackson from Xcalibre said: "This has given us a good opportunity to showcase the good work we are doing in trying to provide alternative activities to young people who might be susceptible to being pressured into joining gangs.

"We work closely with our partners to provide diversionary activities, such as community events, so they can make better life choices for themselves, instead of going down a criminal route which could lead to jail or death.

"We also disrupt gang activity by tackling those gang members who continue to terrorise the local community, dealing in drugs and committing violent crime.

"We will use every power we have to build strong cases and secure strong jail terms for anyone caught up in gang activity."

Baroness Helen Newlove said: "I was really struck by how passionate the officers from the Xcalibre team were about their work. They don't just focus on the young person, they work closely with Probation and Children's Services and look at everything, including their family, the area where they live and their background.

"It is about looking at the whole picture and finding a way to help young people instead of simply demonising them."

Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police Peter Fahy said: "We continue to see a reduction but we are in no way complacent. The work of Xcalibre shows how important it is to divert vulnerable young people at an early age.

"We combine robust enforcement with longer term problem solving.

"Helen Newlove has always shown a commitment to vulnerable young people who could get drawn into violence and it is good to welcome her to GMP in her new role."

Greater Manchester Police Authority has set GMP a target of 96 discharges in the year 2010/2011 and if we were on target discharges would be at 48.

So far this year we are ahead of target with a total of 26 discharges."