Communities that were "rocked" by three fatal shootings in Merseyside have significantly more confidence in police three years later. Merseyside Police says its Clear, Hold, Build initiative, known locally as Evolve, has transformed community relations since its launch in August 2022.
The programme was established following the deaths of nine-year-old Olivia Pratt-Korbel, environmental health worker Ashley Dale, 28, and Sam Rimmer, 22, all killed within one week in August 2022. Merseyside Police became one of the first forces to receive Home Office funding for the initiative.
Dramatic surge in community intelligence
The scheme has delivered a 300% increase in community intelligence reporting across the four areas where it operates. This surge indicates communities now trust police enough to share information about criminal activity in their neighbourhoods.
Detective Chief Superintendent Graeme Robson said the three murders "rocked" the area, but police had seen a "strong and positive response". He said: "We get a really good response from communities who want to work with us. They don't want these kind of tragedies to occur in their communities."
Robson highlighted the intelligence breakthrough: "One of the other things we've seen as Evolve is our intelligence reporting from communities is far higher across our four Evolve areas than it was previously which I think is a sign that those communities have confidence in reporting information because they want us to do something about it."
Major operational achievements
The initiative has resulted in more than 5,300 arrests since its launch. Police have seized approximately 630kg of Class A and B drugs, more than 260 offensive weapons, 28 firearms and about £2.5 million in cash and assets.
The seized money and assets are being reinvested directly back into the communities affected. Police and crime commissioner Emily Spurrell said: "I think one of the biggest successes of the Evolve project has been the 300% increase in intelligence from our communities. That is obviously really significant because it means the communities do have more confidence in the police now."
Partnership approach and expansion
The programme operates across four areas: Liverpool, Knowsley, Wirral, and in Netherton and the Everton and Vauxhall area. The Wirral project was launched following the death of Elle Edwards, 26, who was killed in a shooting outside a pub on Christmas Eve 2022.
Chief Constable Serena Kennedy said: "It has been three years since the launch of the first two Evolve projects in Liverpool and Knowsley, and Wirral following the tragic deaths of Sam, Ashley, Olivia and Elle that sent shockwaves of grief through our communities. The heart of Evolve is partnership and its success is a testament to the dedication of our officers, staff, partners and residents who have come together and worked tirelessly to make Evolve areas safer and more resilient."
Kennedy emphasised the tangible progress made: "The hard work, commitment and collaborative spirit are making a real difference - building trust, reducing harm and creating neighbourhoods where everyone can feel safe and supported. Evolve has made significant progress in disrupting and dismantling criminal networks, safeguarding vulnerable people, and restoring a sense of pride and security to neighbourhoods. I want to thank everyone involved for the achievements we have made together so far."
Community events have become central to the programme's success, with weekly sessions provided by Everton in the Community and the LFC Foundation. Funding has been secured for a memorial dedicated to Olivia Pratt-Korbel.
Sources used: "PA Media" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
