The Met Police must prioritise safeguarding children and young people who have been affected by violence, say the London Assembly Police and Crime Committee.
Following a two-part investigation into violence affecting young Londoners, the committee is calling for more police training to avoid ‘adultification’ and criminalisation of young people.
‘Adultification’ is a type of discrimination or bias that occurs when innocence and vulnerability are not afforded to certain children.
Violence affecting children causes trauma in not just individuals but communities as well and “makes them more likely to be involved in the justice system in later life”, according to the investigation.
The Crime Committee suggested that the root causes of violence in the capital are factors such as social inequalities, failed support systems and lack of opportunities for young people.
Geethika Jayatilaka, CEO of youth charity Redthread said that warned that underfunding in support services had caused weaknesses.
“We know that that support network is not as strong as it needs to be. Those are really the areas we need to look at if we are to effectively tackle this”, they added. “
The report also stated that by December 2024, the Met should set out a plan and timetable to train every frontline officer in youth engagement.
They also added that the Met must be in contact with the VRU’s (Violence Reduction Unit) Young People’s Action Group to ensure the voices of children and young people in London are heard and must have a diverse youth panel to support the delivery this strategy.
Caroline Russell, Chair of the London Assembly Police and Crime Committee, said:
“There must be the right balance between prevention and enforcement. Youth workers play a pivotal role in protecting young people, but face low pay and a lack of career progression opportunities which must be put right.”
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HeadlineMet Police should prioritise safeguarding children, says report
Short HeadlineMet Police should prioritise safeguarding children, says report
StandfirstThere must be a “balance between prevention and enforcement” for young people affected by violence say London Assembly.
The Met Police must prioritise safeguarding children and young people who have been affected by violence, say the London Assembly Police and Crime Committee.
Following a two-part investigation into violence affecting young Londoners, the committee is calling for more police training to avoid ‘adultification’ and criminalisation of young people.
‘Adultification’ is a type of discrimination or bias that occurs when innocence and vulnerability are not afforded to certain children.
Violence affecting children causes trauma in not just individuals but communities as well and “makes them more likely to be involved in the justice system in later life”, according to the investigation.
The Crime Committee suggested that the root causes of violence in the capital are factors such as social inequalities, failed support systems and lack of opportunities for young people.
Geethika Jayatilaka, CEO of youth charity Redthread said that warned that underfunding in support services had caused weaknesses.
“We know that that support network is not as strong as it needs to be. Those are really the areas we need to look at if we are to effectively tackle this”, they added. “
The report also stated that by December 2024, the Met should set out a plan and timetable to train every frontline officer in youth engagement.
They also added that the Met must be in contact with the VRU’s (Violence Reduction Unit) Young People’s Action Group to ensure the voices of children and young people in London are heard and must have a diverse youth panel to support the delivery this strategy.
Caroline Russell, Chair of the London Assembly Police and Crime Committee, said:
“There must be the right balance between prevention and enforcement. Youth workers play a pivotal role in protecting young people, but face low pay and a lack of career progression opportunities which must be put right.”
