Met Police’s Youth Scrutiny research published

Earlier this year, the Met Police Authority asked 1,000 young Londoners about their experiences as victims, witnesses and perpetrators of crime. The results have now been published in the document Youth Scrutiny research (PDF)

Fewer young people are involved in crime than the public thinks
Young people are not shown fairly by the media
Young Londoners are as worried about crime and personal safety as adults
Young people are concerned about reporting crime to the police – and worry about how the police will treat them
Young offenders and young victims are often from the same group
Young people don't think that the law punishes crime enough
Media obsession around gangs and gang culture doesn't help
Fear encourages young people to carry weapons
Young people can get a negative image of the police from a single negative encounter

Among the report's recommendations were:

Young people should be more involved in devising local services for them
Those working with young people should be trained properly
More projects to bring young people and older generations together
A more visible police presence around schools and colleges at the end of the day
There should be victim support services for young people in every London borough
Police should give clear information to young people on tactics and operations
Young people should be able to give feedback on their experiences with Police to Safer Neighbourhoods Teams and Safer Schools Officers
Media should be better adapted to give young people a voice and offer guidance
Media and other authorities should consider the language used when speaking to or about young people – as this can reinforce negative stereotypes and fears

London Mayor Boris Johnson has vowed to make London a safer city for young people by tackling antisocial behaviour, knife crime and gang culture.

If you have any views about these survey findings, you can email the Mayor.

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