I am the BCU Commander of the North West, covering Brent, Barnet and Harrow. My priority is to ensure our streets are safe and we are here to protect the community. We are determined to bring down violence and in the last few years worked hard to do so - setting up our Predatory Offender Unit, arresting and charging violent offenders and most recently set up Project Horizons.
Project Horizons is an ambitious and new initiative that will see the Metropolitan Police Service work with the communities of Harlesden and Stonebridge in NW10. Project Horizons will work collaboratively with key stakeholders in the area namely, Brent Local Authority, Young Brent Foundation and the private and voluntary sections to find solutions to some of the root causes of crime in these two wards. This will be challenging work, but it has the potential to transform the lives and prospects of future generations.
Project Horizon’s vision is for the wards of Harlesden and Stonebridge to no longer be considered as some of the most violent in London. Transforming these wards from being where violent crime occurs frequently to areas where violent crime is rare, relative to historical patterns and comparable wards in London.
It was collectively decided that a new approach was needed to tackle the issues identified within the wards of Harlesden and Stonebridge. Horizons will take a Public Health Approach to reduce the high levels of violence within the wards, attributed by gangs, crime and drug use in these areas which are significant problems in the community. The project will look at immediate work, but also the long term changes which can improve the community.
The relationship between the police, Brent local authority and the public in London is strong but there is always more to be done, which is why I have great anticipation for this project. Every day our people strive to strengthen and foster new relationships within our communities. Only by working closely, listening to the community and engaging in a truly multi-agency, public health approach do we build trust and effect real change.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here