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Abstract

This dissertation offers a critical evaluation of the impact of the Serious Violence Strategy on Knife Crime in London in the form of a literary review. Existing published literature was examined to determine why the strategy was introduced. Data from police-recorded offences were also explored to compare crime patterns before and after the Serious Violence Strategy was established. Core deliverables of the strategy were examined to determine their efficacy, as well as possible limiting contextual factors that could have contributed to the changes in knife crime levels. The rise in knife crime has been a pressing issue plaguing modern society, with initial findings showing austerity measures as a major contributing factor. Increases in taxes and cuts to public spending were seen to cause societal disintegration and economic instability. This dissertation explored the correlation of austerity measures and the rise in deviant behaviours. The government's expanded police powers, in response to increased deviant behaviour, likely exacerbated societal tensions at the time. The effectiveness of authoritarian initiatives like stop and search remained questionable, failing to address the root causes of criminal behaviour. The Serious Violence Strategy therefore emerged as a comprehensive response, focusing on early intervention and prevention. While praised for its integrated approach, its competency in appropriate funding allocation and its effectiveness at meeting its aims raised concerns. The evaluation concluded that the absence of clear metrics and evidence-based assessments within the strategy made it difficult to measure its impact and as a result, the dissertation was limited in its evaluation. The strategy overlooked societal factors such as poverty and mental health. Aggravating factors such as the COVID-19 Pandemic and lengthy periods of austerity were determined to have skewed the ability to adequately assess the impact as figures reported were distorted over a period of time, with lockdowns influencing crime rates and necessary community support. Additionally, due to a lack of evaluating metrics in the strategy, a clear assessment of the working elements proved difficult. Recommendations from this paper include community-driven strategies, targeted funding, and evidence-based interventions to address root causes effectively. However, these initiatives could run the danger of being ineffective and lacking accountability without robust monitoring and evaluation systems in place.

Course: Crime and Criminology - BSc (Hons) - C2113P

Date Deposited: 2024-11-07

URI/permalink: https://library.port.ac.uk/dissert/dis14495.html