West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (WYFRS) is a Serious Violence Duty Holder. The Duty requires Fire and Rescue Authorities to collaborate with other stakeholders (such as local police forces and councils) to plan together to reduce and prevent serious violence in their local areas. West Yorkshire is one of 18 areas in England that have established a Violence Reduction Unit to facilitate the delivery of the duty. This participation in the Violence Reduction Unit Partnership allows sharing of information and resources with our partners; to work together for safer communities for everyone.
Due to dedicated work across our communities WYFRS is well established to play a vital role within local partnerships to reduce serious violence. For example, our Youth Interventions initiative allows us to interact with young people and steer them away from crime. Our firefighters also undertake community work highlighting the dangers of things such as anti-social behaviour on a regular basis across the five districts.
Chief Fire Officer John Roberts said:
“Our crews and specialist teams have worked hard to build strong relationships across our communities to promote crucial safety messages and protect the most vulnerable in our society. Through this engagement we are well placed to play a key role in the safeguarding of West Yorkshire and the people within it.
“Our education packages and specialist Youth Intervention programmes are good examples of the initiatives we run, engaging with young people, and upskilling them towards a productive and safer future. Serious violence is a problem for everyone to consider, and we’re proud to be able to play our part here at West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service.”