Breaking down barriers between police and youths

Accountability and the breaking down of barriers were determined as important steps in improving relationships between youths and police organisations.

It was concluded at a Thursday morning session on tackling youth crime that, while there are a number of bodies working towards improving the relationship between youths and the police, just who is involved with handling what aspects was unclear. A youth crime action plan due to be released by ACPO in a matter of weeks, will address changes that could be made to avoid this confusion.

The police perception of youths was determined as something that needed to change. Police were encouraged to treat situations involving youths as isolated cases, without prejudice or preconceptions. The UK youth parliament raised the concern that the uniform created a barrier between the police and themselves. The fear of being treated as a stereotype was also reported as creating a divide between youths and police. These factors were regarded as forcing a lack of respect for the authorities which, in turn, resulted in a lack of respect for the youths.

A possible solution raised by police authorities included specific training for younger officers to improve communication and better relations with youths. The UKYP, however, noted that it was an “institutionalised misconception” and stereotype of youths embedded in older officers that they felt most threatened by.

Young victims of youth crime were also seen to be unfairly treated. The after care for victims of crime under 18 was highlighted as being limited. The trivialisation of youth crime has resulted in resentment for the authorities and concerns voiced by youths that crimes they report to the police will not be taken seriously.

The treatment of young offenders was also regarded as an issue as Frances Done, chair of the Youth Justice Board, queried if in fact individual cases were given the correct punishment to fit the crime. More recently some young offenders have entered into intensive courses involving their family and this consequence has shown to be more effective in the long term than being given a criminal record.

The UKYP has highlighted essentially mutual goals, in regards to police relations, as the authorities themselves. It was felt a lot of answers were already partly in place but it is necessary for all organisations to put forward what they know so that knowledge can be pooled.

Main points to be featured in upcoming paper

•Short-term measures building on schemes already in place that will have a clear immediate impact.
•Local accountability, who is taking charge of what?
•Investment in early intervention, at a family level.
•More effective sentencing/punishments with visibility that lets people know if and how the case has been dealt with.
•More support, for youth in general as well as victims and offenders.
•Resettlement and custody.