The challenges
Studies in Scotland (McAra & McVie, 2005 & 2010) indicate as many as a third to half of children and young people have had adversarial contact with the police. This is particularly prevalent among serious, persistent and ‘unusual’ offenders highlighting the need for police forces to recognise the detrimental effect they can have on young people.
Research observed a working tendency among police officers to develop a ‘permanent suspect population’ that particularly stigmatises young males, from less affluent backgrounds that regularly hang out in public places; regardless of their individual propensity to offend.
Two common traits among ‘chronic offenders’ are reduced commitment to and increased exclusion from school, coupled with increased adversarial contact with the police. Those in this category are also more likely to live in the 25% most deprived areas of Scotland. The practice of 'stop and search' is found to be a largely negative experience for young people which is often done on insufficient grounds.
The response
Research on uniformed youth interventions (Moon et al 2010) identified their benefits and limitations, including the following:
- Reducing risks & offending: By promoting declines in permanent school exclusions, a more positive self-concept and a better understanding of the consequences of negative/deviant behaviour.
- Improving learning & skills: By offering well defined learning experiences, opportunities to gain qualifications and increased emotional, cognitive, social and physical skills.
- Getting ready for employment: By raising aspirations and providing a stepping stone to careers in uniformed professions.
- Active citizenship & volunteering: By promoting greater respect for authority, being an antidote to negative stereotypes and providing pro-social activities that benefit the wider community.
Nonetheless some competitive activities promote negative behaviours and targeted activities are more likely to reduce risks and offending. Adults often act as role models to young people, but it is important to be aware of and deal with incidences where experiences may be negative.