Violence Reduction Unit evaluation, 2019 to 2020
These reports present the findings of an impact feasibility study and process evaluation of Violence Reduction Units (VRUs) in the first year of Home Office funding.
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Process evaluation of the Violence Reduction Units
This report presents findings of a process evaluation of VRUs in the first year of Home Office funding. The evaluation explores how VRUs have been set up and highlights enablers, barriers and learnings.
The evaluation found that VRUs have made good progress, laying a foundation for an evidence-based and targeted response to serious violence. VRUs commissioned a range of interventions, reaching over 100,000 individuals across different risk groups. VRUs have also worked on completing Strategic Needs Assessments, which has enhanced their understanding of serious violence. Challenges encountered so far included accessing the range of data to inform their work and the need for sustained funding. Continued evaluation will enable a more comprehensive assessment of VRUs’ outcomes and impacts.
Impact feasibility study summary
This summary report presents the main findings from a feasibility study that assessed the options for measuring the impact of Violence Reduction Units (VRUs).
The study outlines which methods are suitable for measuring VRU impact. It found that impact of VRUs is likely to be gradual and accumulate over time. Following the implementation period, it is anticipated that impact will initially reflect the increased scale of interventions across the police force area. As time goes on, strategic elements of the VRU will have an increasing effect. The study suggested that taking other interventions, external factors, and time spent setting up VRUs into account, some early signs of impact might be observed 12-18 months after VRUs are set up and operational