Police-assisted interventions ‘crucial’ to prevent reoffending, review finds

A new evidence review by the national justice charity Revolving Doors for T2A (Transition to Adulthood) states that delivering tailored interventions that meet the health and human needs of young adults can turn young people’s lives around, reduce crime and improve public safety.

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The report is based on data collected as part of the New Generation policing programme, which brings together police and crime commissioners, chief constables and inspectors to “explore how police-assisted diversion schemes can be used more effectively to meet the needs of young adults and prevent them from being caught in a cycle of crisis and crime”.

It recommends a series of interventions including allowing police officers to spend more time on frontline duties tackling serious or organised crime.

Investment in diversions for low-level crime that avoid prosecutions, including out-of-court disposals, is “vital” to avoid young people facing an increase in waiting times at magistrates courts following the Covid-19 pandemic, the report states.

However, it also found that “police forces usually hit a major barrier when they decide to set up schemes for young adults” due to very little evidence of best practice.

“This review aims to address that gap, by building on the literature and the practice know-how of roundtable attendees to demonstrate the key elements of support that can be provided as part of an out-of-court disposal that can turn young adults' lives around,” it states.

The report also calls for investment in holistic services for young people including trauma-informed support “to understand root causes of crime and minimise harm” and “gender-specific and culturally competent approaches to achieve equitable outcomes for young adults in the criminal justice system”.

It also highlights the need for increased mental health support for young people involved in crime including access to cognitive behavioural therapy.

Pavan Dhaliwal, chief executive of Revolving Doors Agency, said: “The benefits of out-of-court disposals are generally well known but what is often lacking is evidence about what works about these programmes specifically and importantly, given the fact that they make up around a third of all police cases, what works in reducing reoffending in young adults.

“This new review shines a light on interventions that are most effective for diverting young adults into support.”

Meanwhile, the St Giles Trust has launched a new campaign aimed at keeping children safe from criminal exploitation this summer. 

The Keep Children Safe This Summer campaign aims to raise awareness of the issue and ensure that support is there for those who could come to harm.

It comes after a survey of more than 1,000 parents found that 53 per cent of parents aren’t worried that their child could be exploited by criminals over the holidays.