Statement from the Managing Director

In 2003, Peter O’Neill and I, Kirk Dawes, were tasked by the then Chief Constable of the West Midlands Police, later Sir Paul Scott-Lee to look at alternatives to the way West Midland Police looked at and dealt with the issues of gang and gun crime  which for our force (West Midlands) had spiralled out of control.

I admit when the Chief said we needed to look outside the box, I did not have a clue what he ‘really’ wanted.

I was a DC and nothing more than part of a training team for SIO’s, (Senior Investigating Officers) to deliver the murder investigation programme at the Detective training School at Tally Ho, Birmingham and yet again the only black one, just like in every department, squad with the exception of the BAPA (Black Police Association), I had worked in.

Look at what was happening in the West Mids.  Year on year from the beginning of this century almost 27 gang related murders each year for four years, culminating in what has been entitled the ‘New Years Murders’, which became a catalyst for change.  ‘Change’ because for the first time on the mainland ‘Dialogue’, ‘Mediation’ was considered as a viable tool to be utilised with purely criminal groups who did not possess the argument of what was in their view a ‘legitimate, political armed conflict’ as was the case in Northern Ireland.  Yet, it was people in Northern Ireland, who indicated the possibilities that dialogue and its work in conflict management, could achieve even with criminal purists.  The result was we were about to embark on a process that involved talking to criminals outside the police interview rooms, the courts and prisons and as part of a proposed transformation process.

The result in 2010, (and yes amongst other work that Birmingham are carrying out in the arena) is the fact that over the past 3 years to include up to May 2010, we have had 3 murders in 4 years.  Others may have a point of view, but I will say this, there are only three areas that have had a different, and perhaps a most significant impact.  Enforcement will always and should take out those whom it is considered, are the people who present the most harm.  However, we must realise that these people will always be replaced by other leaders and offenders, so how do we slow down the pattern of behaviour down by those who are who are seeking to do so.

I would suggest, that this could and is largely is being done, through conflict engagement specialists, who know and feel where the buck is going next, even during an economic downturn.  Now more than ever the reputation of a city will lie on the increased criminality attributed to any village town or city surrounding it.  Why should anyone invest in an area that is ravaged by gun and gang crime.  Why would anyone want to bring their, team/squad to a city where one cannot be safe because of the fear of gang or gun criminality.  The Olympics are almost upon us as a nation and as such, the people of the world are looking at our future, even though in the short term we are talking, two years.  Do not believe for a second that Organised Crime Groups are not contemplating the same.

The third part is the transformational part to the reason why someone involved wants to change and the reason why this can be effective without having to spend some time in prison.  I know our company has evidence of this and the ability to work with someone who has given evidence at a number of Home Affairs Select Committees and is currently assisting us (TCFCT) in what change for a gang member really means.  This being a young man who was assaulted (stabbed), the direct result of his gang connections.  Yet today, he is in full time education. About to embark on a career in the entertainment industry, living albeit in another area but still finding the time to be involved in mentoring a young person who but for him may have chosen another path.

We at TCFCT welcome those who wish to build a better future for all of us, and that includes anywhere and everywhere and yes we are from Birmingham!

Kirk

Kirk Dawes QPM
Managing Director