Gang war experts set for city visit

Mar 23 2007

EXPERTS on tackling the gun and gang violence that has plagued America and Northern Ireland will be in Birmingham next week to share their ideas.

Politicians in Birmingham have organised a unique one-day Gangs and Guns conference to discuss new ways to prevent future generations turning to gangs.

West Midlands Police helped pioneer a mediation service to reduce tensions and end the cycle of gang violence which has left a trail of misery in the city.

The scheme was copied from a similar initiative in Northern Ireland that helped end the feuds between opposing sectarian groups.

Since it was introduced two years ago and coupled with successful targeting of known gangsters, there has been a reduction in shootings in the city.

Specialists, including community action groups and law enforcers, from Brooklyn, New York, and Philadelphia, will meet with mediation experts from Northern Ireland and also community groups from Birmingham on Monday to develop new ways forward.

Council cabinet member Coun Alan Rudge said: "Equality of opportunity and community cohesion are at the heart of my vision for Birmingham.

"Cohesion is in the interests of all those people and organisations who are concerned with the peace and prosperity of their city and we must remember that this is what the overwhelming majority of our citizens want.

"Like any city, we have to deal with a minority who try to dismantle the peace through destructive behaviour, but Birmingham has made great strides over the last few years in tackling gang related violence.

"We have many good ideas to impart and are always looking for opportunities such as this to learn from others as well."

The conference at Birmingham Council House follows a study visit to the USA last year by Birmingham City Council officers together with colleagues from West Midlands Police and the Government Office West Midlands.

Government Office regional director John Curtis added: "The outcomes will form part of the work of a policy group of officers from Government offices in the months ahead."