Operation Trident set to target street gangs?

The Metropolitan police are reported to overhaul Operation Trident to lead an anti-gang initiative in London.

According to the Guardian, Operation Trident, which was set up to tackle gun crime in Black communities, will spearhead a new attack on teenage gangs. Detectives from the specialist unit will be responsible for a new policy against street gangs to combat a rise in youth violence.

But there are concerns that overhauling Operation Trident to also tackle gangs immediately identifies the problem primarily with the Black community. It would be dangerous to make this link especially as gang violence involves young people from all ethnic backgrounds.

Commissioner Hogan-Howe though has made some strong statements since taking over the role. Last month, he said gang crime was a significant problem in parts of the capital and combating it was at the top of his list.

His intentions have been welcomed by some, who believe such a move has been a long time coming, though the link with Operation Trident is a concern.

Althea Smith, the vice-chairwoman of the Southwark police consultative group told the Guardian:

"I don't think they should use the word Trident anymore, and they shouldn't use its name in this gang taskforce. In the past it was relevant but it isn't so much now; the problem is young people from all backgrounds committing murders and violence on each other."

Today sees political accountability for the Met move from the Metropolitan Police Authority to Mayor Boris Johnson, who launches the new Mayor's office for Police and Crime alongside Commissioner Bernard Hogan-Howe.

But most believe tackling the problem of gangs is just the start. According to Ken Hinds, chairman of the Haringey stop-and-search monitoring group, there needs to be a co-ordinated approach to give young people a way out of gang culture.

"They cannot just lock everyone up, they will just fill the prisons. They need to give young people an exit."