New Director Vows to Turn the Tide on Violent Crime

17 August 2023

New Director Vows to Turn the Tide on Violent Crime

Detective Chief Superintendent Lee Berry has taken the reins of the West Yorkshire Violence Reduction Partnership (VRP) as its new Director.

Using a pioneering public health approach, the VRP brings together organisations across local communities to tackle the underlying causes of serious violent crime.

Det Ch Supt Berry arrives with over 26 years of policing experience and follows the departure of Ch Supt Jackie Marsh, who retires from her role.

Most recently a West Yorkshire Police Safeguarding and Crime Portfolio lead, he has also co-ordinated the Force’s response to tackling violence against women and girls.

He is no stranger to addressing serious violence locally, having been the joint head of the South Yorkshire Violence Reduction Unit earlier in his career.

Det Ch Supt Berry says the latest phase of partnership working in West Yorkshire is opening up more possibilities:

“The recent launch of the Violence Reduction Partnership puts us in the right position, enabling us to do even more together to keep our communities safe.

“It is a real privilege to take up this crucial role, and the fact that the maturity of our partnership is nationally recognised, is testament to the progress already made.

“I will be using all my knowledge and expertise to build upon these foundations, helping to change attitudes and behaviours surrounding serious violence."

Since 2020, the West Yorkshire Violence Reduction Partnership has worked with over 100 different agencies, supported around 50,000 young people under 25, and 3000 over 25."

Ch Supt Jackie Marsh added:

“I am extremely proud of all we have achieved in tackling serious violence across West Yorkshire, and I know Det Ch Supt Berry is deeply committed to realising our joint ambitions.

“Having someone with his passion and experience at the helm will only take us forward in protecting our young people from harm.”

West Yorkshire’s Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, Alison Lowe OBE, also welcomed the new Director to the Partnership and said:

“I know Det Ch Supt Berry has already built many strong partnerships and community relationships across his various roles, and this is a real asset in combatting serious violent crime.

“By capitalising on those connections, we can encourage more engagement, ensuring West Yorkshire remains a safe place where our young people can flourish.”

Note: The Director role is equivalent to a Head of Service within the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.