ACPO lead on violence and public protection Chief Constable Dave Whatton said:

"The Peace Index shows that the UK has become more peaceful since 2003 with crime and homicides falling significantly. While this reflects trends in other countries and a range of factors are likely to have effected this reduction in violence, it demonstrates a continuous drive by the British police service to robustly tackle crime. Concerted efforts and an evidence based approach to issues such as domestic violence, gun and knife crime and alcohol related violence has reduced violent crime. A focus on crime prevention, multi-agency working, neighbourhood policing and restorative justice have also had an impact. The service has continued to adapt and innovate to bring crime down as budgets have decreased and the UK has faced austerity."