Jim Pegler leads the VRU as Director. Jim had a rewarding and diverse career in Policing. Jim held District Command roles in Fareham, Gosport, Portsmouth and the IOW and is able to rely on his experience of partnership working in those areas and more broadly. The learning from a long career in policing has led Jim to be a strong advocate for tackling the root causes of violence through a partnership public health approach.

Sorrell is the VRU Manager for Portsmouth as well as the VRU lead for data & analysis focusing on facilitating partnership information sharing to reduce serious violence. With a background in analysis, community safety partnerships and service delivery in the third-sector, she is also focused on continuing professional development holding a Master of Public Administration (MPA) with Distinction and Law degree (LLB) with first-class honours. 

Debbie brings her experience working as a police officer and teacher to the VRU, and works in Southampton to tackle youth violence. Debbie leads on engagement with young people and communities, ensuring that all voices are heard.

Elle Worked as a manager in Hampshire youth Offending Team for over 15 years before working in Hampshire Children’s Services as a project manager for 18 months and then joined the VRU in Jan 2020.  Elle covers SE Hampshire and IOW and is joint lead on interventions. Elle is particularly passionate about taking a preventative, multi-agency approach and trauma informed practice. 

Joanna has a background in the psychology of criminal behaviour, policing and the criminal justice system. Paired with experience of research and analysis, this supports her work in monitoring and understanding the effectiveness of approaches to violence reduction and the importance of partners sharing data and working collaboratively.

Katie works across Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary and the VRU. She brings her background studying politics and international security. Katie is also the VRU contact for the HIPS wide Strategic Needs Assessment.

Mandeep has a background in Psychology of Criminal Behaviour and a career in Policing, with a focus on partnership collaboration and strategic oversight.  This supports her work in monitoring the projects delivered by the VRU subgroups, ensuring necessary risk management and meeting Home Office national objectives.

Police Inspector in the Violent Crime Taskforce based in the OPCC working with the VRU.  Tactical lead for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary for Knife Crime and Serious Violence.  Previously postings include Sector Inspector in Southampton West, T/Inspector in Fareham and Custody Sergeant in Southampton. 

Police Sergeant in the Violent Crime Taskforce based in the OPCC working with the VRU.  Previous policing experience working in Southampton, Portsmouth, Eastleigh and Havant/Waterlooville districts working on the District Policing Teams. Jamie is part of the Constabulary’s Trauma Informed Practices Board, tasked with planning our approach to embedding Trauma Informed Practices across the force.

Matt is a Police Inspector seconded into the VRU to develop data sharing amongst partners under the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Together (HIOWT) programme.  Matt has a wide experience of working across the Constabulary, most recently as a Sector and Duty Inspector on the Isle of Wight.  He has a background in Digital Intelligence and Investigations (DII) and a proven track record for delivering successful policing programmes.