The National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC)1 have published a National Strategy for the Policing of Children and Young People here.
This new strategy sets out the “key principles” when policing children and young people.
Details
The purpose of the strategy is to improve the quality of policing for children and young people (CYP) and represents a child-centred approach to policing:
“CYP are not mini-adults and a unique criminal justice system was established to respond to young people at risk.” (page 4)
“It is crucial that in all encounters with the police those below the age of 18 should be treated as children first.” (page 8)
“All officers must have regard to their safety, welfare and well-being as required under s10 and s11 of the Children Act 2004 and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.” (page 8)
“It is important that young people are not criminalised for behaviour which can be dealt with more appropriately by other means.” (page 11)
The strategy also acknowledges “[i]t is unusual for a young person to be a serious offender without being a victim of circumstance or offending themselves.” (page 8)
- The National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) has replaced the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO). (back)
The National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) has replaced the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO).