Preventing gang crime

Our Integrated Gangs Unit (IGU) works in partnership to support those involved in gang violence or those on the periphery of gangs by way of prevention, diversion and, where necessary, enforcement

Built on trust, the IGU works with individuals and communities by treating violence as a preventable public health issue. It seeks to avert violence by diverting those who are at risk of becoming either a victim or perpetrator and supporting those already ensconced in gang crime to exit their lifestyle and, where necessary, enforcing against those who commit violent crimes and pose a risk to others.

By working with individuals, families and the wider community, the IGU identifies ways in which to reduce violence, improve futures and create a safer Hackney for everyone.

What we do

The IGU brings together the police, Council, and other strategic partners in Hackney to divert people at risk away from gangs. The first co-located service of its kind when it was set up, it brings key professionals from a broad range of organisations to work together in the same place with the shared aim of tackling gang-related violence in the round.

At any one time, the IGU works with around 150 people who are involved in gangs to support them to change their behaviour.

The majority of people the IGU supports are adults, with over 18-year-olds making up around 2/3 of the Unit’s caseload. Around a third of those the IGU work with are in custody. The Unit also works with those on the periphery of gangs to divert them away from gang involvement.

The IGU follows the Council’s public health approach towards tackling violent crime which has been proven to be successful in areas where it has been employed to tackle the root causes of violence.

Through partnership working between the Council, police and voluntary and community organisations, the IGU has been successful in preventing problems before they arise, calming gang tensions and supporting individuals to choose an alternative path.

This includes through representation at Hackney’s Extra-Familial Risk Panel, which works to intervene in cases where a young person is at risk of experiencing harm outside the home.

Enforcement action is taken where necessary against those intent on causing harm to others but the unit’s central focus is on early detection and prevention.

This is not about delivering soft justice, but rather smart justice which works to tackle the issue of gang violence in the round by addressing the factors that put adults and young people at risk of becoming involved in gangs.

Through a balanced approach, we can help create better futures for local people and keep them out of the criminal justice system.

Who we are

The IGU is made up of the following partners

council staff employed directly by the Council include the IGU delivery manager, gangs and community programme management coordinator, IGU analyst, IGU researcher
also employed by the Council are a community gangs coordinator and community gangs worker, who provide support to the community through outreach, community empowerment, working with communities to better share information on gang-related issues, and supporting a limited caseload of young people through one-to-one mentoring. These roles centre around reassurance and prevention through proactive community engagement, as well as mediation and support for gang-affected individuals. The Community Gangs Coordinator also works with Mentivation Services, who support IGU outreach and deliver workshops in schools across Hackney
some members of the Council’s Youth Offending Team (YOT) are embedded within the IGU and works with young people and parents/carers to break the cycle of gang involvement
The IGU has two dedicated Probation Officers who hold cases for over 18s, though work often starts earlier if the individual is in custody. The officers supervise offenders on licence or community orders and offer a more community-based service than the National Probation Service normally would, providing a lot of support with housing, healthcare, education and employment. They will also work with clients beyond statutory terms if additional support is needed.
the Metropolitan Police Service provides a team of one sergeant and eight police constables (PCs) within the IGU
a community engagement adviser is assigned to the IGU by the Department of Work and Pensions who provides employment, training and education advice, opportunities and intensive support
St Giles Trust is embedded within the IGU and provides one-to-one sessions to 30-40 people. It provides support, training and education to prevent offending
Mentivation Services is a mentoring, motivation and mediation service that works one-to-one with young people experiencing difficulty in education, the community or at home as well as the Fix Up programme, which delivers workshops in schools. They provide diversionary activities such as football coaching and music sessions
we support The Crib’s Parents Voice project, which brings together parents worried that their children are at risk of becoming involved in gangs. The sessions are free, with professionals from the Integrated Gangs Unit, Hackney MIND, and the Council’s domestic violence team present to help parents recognise the signs of gang involvement and give advice on how they can support their children to avoid getting involved with gangs
Empower Safer London is embedded within the IGU and offers one-to-one support to hundreds of young people across the capital every year who have experienced sexual exploitation associated with gangs or are displaying harmful sexual behaviour. Young people are given a safe and confidential space to talk about their experiences.

If you’re worried about a child or young person

If you’re concerned about any child or young person living in Hackney, you can contact our Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) for advice and guidance.

Page updated on: 22 August 2022

Preventing gang crime

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What we do

Who we are

If you’re worried about a child or young person