Young People and Police Custody

Despite significant progress - and a steady rise in the number of children holding positive views of their local police, according to offical statistics - there is still progress to be made. 

You can read the full National Strategy for the Policing of Children and Young People here: 

http://www.npcc.police.uk/documents/edhr/2015/CYP%20Strategy%202015_2017_August%202015.pdf

DCC Olivia Pinkney and T/CC Nick Ephgrave said:

“The police are here to protect the vulnerable and young people are vulnerable due to their age. Entering custody can be a traumatic experience, which is why we are working alongside partners to divert children from the criminal justice system and ensure their wellbeing is put first. Between 2004 and 2014, the number of children arrested across England and Wales fell from 332,800 to 112,709 - a 60 per cent reduction.

“When an arrest is necessary, every effort should be made to avoid holding children overnight in police cells. It is not a decision made lightly and may reflect the need to keep that person safe or protect the wider public from immediate harm. Young people should always be dealt with in a sensitive and appropriate way.

“One area that needs addressing is the lack of suitable alternative accommodation. Currently, work is taking place on a national concordat designed to ensure accommodation is available and prevent children being detained overnight. We must also gather better data on the underlying causes and continue to improve awareness of best practice among frontline staff.

“This is an important issue for us as a service and goes to the heart of what we do. Last year, chief officers launched an updated National Strategy for the Policing of Children and Young People which includes custody as a priority area. Police forces are also making greater use of positive tools such as out-of-court disposals, liaison & diversion schemes and early intervention.”