In a significant move aimed at combating violence and enhancing community safety, the Metropolitan Police has announced the adoption of the Violence Harm Assessment (VHA) as the primary tool for identifying and assessing the most harmful individuals involved in violence across London. This decision comes following extensive consultation and marks the discontinuation of the Gangs Violence Matrix (GVM).
Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist emphasized the Met’s commitment to a complete redesign of the Gangs Violence Matrix, stating, “We have listened to the concerns about disproportionality on the GVM and have spent the past year engaging with community members and relevant stakeholders to ensure transparency about our new approach.
Effective from February 13, the Gangs Violence Matrix will no longer be operational. Instead, the Violence Harm Assessment will offer a more targeted and evidence-based methodology to identify individuals involved in violence. This shift aligns with the Commissioner’s vision for a more data-driven approach outlined in the plan, A New Met for London.
Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, hailed the transition to the Violence Harm Assessment as a pivotal step towards addressing violence in the capital. He underscored the importance of tangible results and pledged continued support to ensure the effectiveness of the new approach.
During the consultation process, community members expressed concerns about violence as a broader issue, prompting the Met to prioritize violence over street gang violence specifically. The Violence Harm Assessment will not only identify high-risk individuals but also facilitate collaboration with partners to provide support and diversion opportunities for those vulnerable to violence and exploitation.
Utilizing academically tested methodologies developed by the Cambridge Harm Index and Office of National Statistics Scoring, the Violence Harm Assessment will enable precise targeting of resources towards individuals who pose the greatest threat. This approach mirrors the precision-led policing seen in initiatives like the V100 project, which targets violent sexual predators.
Each area in London will leverage data from the Violence Harm Assessment to allocate police resources effectively, with a focus on preventing harm and saving lives. The adoption of this new tool underscores the Met’s unwavering commitment to enhancing public safety and tackling violence in the capital.
