In December 2008, the Cabinet Secretary for Justice launched a major initiative to tackle collective violence in the East End of Glasgow: the Community Initiative to Reduce Violence (CIRV).
The Violence Reduction Unit are leading on the development of this £5m project, which seeks to intensively engage with over 700 identified gang members and provide them with a range of support services and diversion projects in an effort to change their behaviour and lives.
The Scottish Government is contributing £1.6m over two years to this project, with a further £3.4m funding provided in services and in kind by partners.
There are 55 gangs in Glasgow, involving around 700 young men aged 12-23, the majority of whom have a history of offending and violence. Alcohol abuse is common and many carry a weapon on a regular basis. The impact on the local community is significant.
Based on the Boston Ceasefire project, CIRV brings together partners from justice, government, community safety services, housing, careers, education, social work, health and the community to tackle the long standing problem of gang violence in one of Glasgow's hardest hit areas.
Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill said:
"For too long now areas of Glasgow have been blighted by gangs and gang violence. I've heard of boys following their father, brother or uncle into a gang and I've no doubt that the vicious cycle of drink, drugs and deprivation lies at the heart of this. For some young people the gang is like a family, to them it means having people to look out for them and protect them in a way they've perhaps not been used to.
"But enough is enough. It cannot go on. The law needs to be enforced but it's also time to try something new, something bold, and sort the problem at source. I believe this initiative can make a difference and that is why the Scottish Government has invested £1.6m to make the project a reality. If they need education - this can help them access it, if they need a job - it can provide support, if they need help to recover from substance misuse - it can make sure they get it. But if the violence continues - they will be caught. It will be a long road as there's no quick solution - but CIRV will be an important part of that solution. Violence is not inevitable - it is preventable."