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Police launch gun crime strategy Police launch gun crime strategy
(about 7 hours later)
A nationwide firearms strategy aimed at reducing gun crime in the UK is being launched by the Association of Chief Police Officers (Acpo). A new gun crime strategy in England and Wales has been launched by the Association of Chief Police Officers.
Keith Bristow, chief constable of Warwickshire Police, is expected to reveal plans for a new forensics unit and a database of recovered guns. Keith Bristow, chief constable of Warwickshire, revealed plans for a new database on guns used in crimes.
But the Police Federation has raised concerns there are not enough armed officers to tackle gun crime. It means detectives will be able to find out if a gun or ammunition was used in an earlier crime within 24 hours rather than waiting weeks.
Acpo's plans are to be revealed at a conference in Birmingham later. The National Ballistics Intelligence Programme will be run from centres in London, Birmingham and Manchester.
The proposed new forensics unit is expected to have sites in London, Birmingham and Manchester. Officers will be able to submit recovered guns, shells or bullets to the units, which will then use forensic techniques to match them to earlier crimes.
According to the Home Office's latest figures, gun crime decreased by 8% between June 2005 and June 2006. Firearms used by criminals are very mobile Dr Bob Golding
'Watershed' Dr Bob Golding, programme manager for the £5m unit, said officers would have access to vital information much more quickly.
But recent high profile murders of young people have raised concerns over gun crime on the UK's streets. "Firearms used by criminals are very mobile, they are passed between gangs and perpetrators.
"This is not a local issue, it is a national issue and this is a national solution."
Mr Bristow said there had been a recent fall in gun crime, backed up by Home Office figures which showed it decreased by 8% between June 2005 and June 2006.
Young people shot
He added: "Gun crime is an awful, corrosive problem. [But] the fear of gun crime is disproportionate to the reality."
The announcement follows high profile murders of young people.
Jesse James, 15, was shot three times with a semi-automatic handgun in Manchester and 19-year-old Dean Myles was shot dead outside a Bristol nightclub in September.Jesse James, 15, was shot three times with a semi-automatic handgun in Manchester and 19-year-old Dean Myles was shot dead outside a Bristol nightclub in September.
We're not an armed police service and my colleagues don't want to be armed Jan Berry, Police FederationWe're not an armed police service and my colleagues don't want to be armed Jan Berry, Police Federation
Jesse, who police believe was killed as a result of mistaken identity, was buried on Tuesday.Jesse, who police believe was killed as a result of mistaken identity, was buried on Tuesday.
Greater Manchester Police described his death as a "watershed moment".Greater Manchester Police described his death as a "watershed moment".
Jan Berry, chairwoman of the Police Federation, told BBC Five Live officers were concerned about what they see as a low numbers of firearms officers.Jan Berry, chairwoman of the Police Federation, told BBC Five Live officers were concerned about what they see as a low numbers of firearms officers.
Ms Berry said: "We're not an armed police service and my colleagues don't want to be armed, but they don't believe we have enough firearms officers.Ms Berry said: "We're not an armed police service and my colleagues don't want to be armed, but they don't believe we have enough firearms officers.
"We've only got about just over 5% of our officers carry firearms, and with the number of incidents which are involving guns today, I do question whether that's enough.""We've only got about just over 5% of our officers carry firearms, and with the number of incidents which are involving guns today, I do question whether that's enough."
Social problemsSocial problems
She said a new firearms database, which would allow information to be shared across the country, could be part of the solution.She said a new firearms database, which would allow information to be shared across the country, could be part of the solution.
But she said it was also vital to tackle social issues and work with those who see firearms as a sign of power and esteem.But she said it was also vital to tackle social issues and work with those who see firearms as a sign of power and esteem.
"Clearly you can't just all the time meet power with power because that does not solve the underlying problems," she said."Clearly you can't just all the time meet power with power because that does not solve the underlying problems," she said.
"We clearly need to have police officers who are properly armed and able to deal with situations."We clearly need to have police officers who are properly armed and able to deal with situations.
"However, behind that you have to have the police service working with the public and with the communities and for us to build a greater trust between the communities and the police.""However, behind that you have to have the police service working with the public and with the communities and for us to build a greater trust between the communities and the police."
Police are also reportedly considering creating a special unit to focus on the most dangerous gun criminals in the country.Police are also reportedly considering creating a special unit to focus on the most dangerous gun criminals in the country.