Surrey Police Are Putting Children First By Reducing Arrests

Published on: 7 Aug, 2017
Updated on: 9 Aug, 2017

Surrey Police’s 45% reduction in the number of young people being arrested and their approach to youth intervention has been recognised today in a national report.

The reduction in the last six years is the direct result of officers and staff continuing to find better ways to support juveniles involved in crime.

The figures released by the Howard League for Penal Reform report show the numbers have dropped from 1,955 in 2010 to 889 in 2016 which, the force says, proves that hard work across the force and the mantra of child first offence second is bringing about the right results.

In a press release, Surrey Police said: “Working with Surrey County Council’s Youth Support Service we have been at the cutting edge to reforming the criminal justice response to dealing with young people who break the law.

“This has meant through preventative policing and use of restorative intervention Surrey has consistently had the lowest per capita number of children and young people entering the criminal justice system of any police service in England and Wales. Prior to these reforms, approximately 1,500 young people obtained criminal records each year in Surrey. By 2016-17 there were only 116.

“External evaluations have shown that this approach improves the experience for victims of crime, reduces re-offending, and is more cost effective than traditional approaches.

“This model has been influential nationally, being shared around the country, transforming the approach to young people by preventing the early criminalisation of children and improving their life chances. This youth transformation has been acknowledged through a series of national awards including those from the Youth Justice board and the Howard League for Penal Reform.

“Our partnership with the Youth Support Service has played a big part in seeing the figures reduced, specifically through training they have helped deliver to custody and response staff. They have also worked closely with our Youth Intervention Teams on Youth Restorative Intervention scheme since 2011 which allows other options to be considered for a juvenile who has committed a crime.”

Frances Crook, Chief Executive of the Howard League for Penal Reform, said: “For the sixth year running, we have seen a significant reduction in child arrests across the country. This is a tremendous achievement, and we will continue to support police forces to develop their good practice and reduce the number to an absolute minimum.

“Surrey Police should be applauded for their positive approach, and the Howard League is proud to have played its part in a transformation that will make our communities safer.

“By working together, we are ensuring that tens of thousands of children will have a brighter future and not be dragged into a downward spiral of crime and custody.”