Merseyside Police, one of the largest police forces in the UK, has been making headlines recently for its innovative approach to tackling crime in the community. The force has been one of the first in the country to receive Home Office funding for a Clear, Hold, Build initiative – locally known as Evolve – in response to the tragic deaths of Olivia Pratt-Korbel, Ashley Dale, and Sam Rimmer.
This initiative, which has been successfully implemented in other parts of the world, focuses on a three-pronged approach to reducing crime in a specific area. The first step is to clear the area of any criminal activity through increased police presence and targeted operations. The second step is to hold onto the area by maintaining a visible police presence and working closely with the community to address any underlying issues. And finally, the third step is to build a stronger, safer community through improved relationships between the police and the community, as well as initiatives to address the root causes of crime.
The tragic deaths of Olivia, Ashley, and Sam were a wake-up call for Merseyside Police and the community. The force recognized the need for a new approach to combatting crime and was determined to make a positive change. With the support of the Home Office, the Evolve initiative was born and has since been making a significant impact in the community.
Since its implementation, the Clear, Hold, Build approach has seen a significant decrease in crime rates in the areas where it has been implemented. This is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the Merseyside Police force and their commitment to making their community a safer place.
But it’s not just about reducing crime rates. The Evolve initiative also focuses on building stronger relationships between the police and the community. Through regular meetings and events, the police have been able to engage with the community and address any concerns or issues they may have. This has helped to build trust and cooperation between the two, ultimately creating a more cohesive and united community.
One of the key elements of the initiative is the involvement of local businesses and organizations. By working together, the police and these groups have been able to identify and address the root causes of crime in the community. This has led to the implementation of various programs and initiatives, such as youth mentorship programs and employment opportunities, to help prevent individuals from turning to a life of crime.
The success of the Clear, Hold, Build initiative has not gone unnoticed. Other police forces in the country have taken note and are now looking to implement similar strategies in their own communities. Merseyside Police has become a leader in community policing, and their innovative approach has been recognized by the Home Office as a model for other forces to follow.
But the success of the Evolve initiative would not have been possible without the support and cooperation of the community. The police have been overwhelmed by the positive response from community members, who have welcomed the increased police presence and have actively participated in the various programs and initiatives.
The tragic deaths of Olivia, Ashley, and Sam were a devastating loss for their families and the community, but their memory will live on through the positive changes that have been made as a result of the Clear, Hold, Build initiative. Merseyside Police has shown that by working together, we can create safer and stronger communities for everyone.
In conclusion, the Merseyside Police force’s Evolve initiative has been a game-changer in the fight against crime. Through a clear, hold, and build approach, the force has successfully reduced crime rates and strengthened relationships within the community. Their innovative approach has become a model for other police forces to follow, and the positive impact on the community is clear. Merseyside Police has shown that with dedication and cooperation, we can make our communities safer and better places to live.

