About Us

Violence is an infection that has crept through society to the extent that it is viewed today in much the same way as the common cold – something that is both incurable and inevitable.

In Scotland, violence is a chronic problem. Although overall levels of crime have fallen in the West of Scotland, levels of violent crime, in particular knife crime, have remained relatively constant for the last 40 years.

In January 2005 Strathclyde Police established the Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) to target all forms of violent behaviour, in particular knife crime and weapon carrying among young men in and around Glasgow. In April 2006 the Unit’s remit was extended nationwide by the Scottish Executive, creating a national centre of expertise on tackling violent crime.

Adopting the public health approach as described in the WHO's World Report On Violence and Health (2002), the unit has simple aims: to reduce violent crime and behaviour by working with partner agencies to achieve long-term societal and attitudinal change, and, by focusing on enforcement, to contain and manage individuals who carry weapons or who are involved in violent behaviour. The unit also aims to explore best practices and develop sustainable, innovative solutions to this deep rooted problem.

The VRU is headed by Detective Chief Superintendent John Carnochan QPM and his deputy, Karyn McCluskey

Scottish Government Violence Reduction Team
The Scottish Government Violence Reduction Team (VRT) based at St. Andrew’s House, Edinburgh, is responsible for developing policy to tackle violence related issues affecting many communities throughout Scotland.  It provides briefings, advice and support to Scottish Ministers on all violence reduction matters, including knife crime and alcohol related violence, and seeks to support delivery partners in the establishment or development of effective violence prevention programmes.

A partnership exists between the national Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) and Scottish Government Violence Reduction Team, with the VRT providing funding to support the work of the VRU.  This partnership provides support to the work of the VRU as well as delivering the priorities set by both the Cabinet Secretary for Justice and the Minister for Community Safety.

One of the key primary roles for the VRT is to engage with other Scottish government directorates to ensure a joined up and consistent approach is taken in developing national policy relating to violence reduction.