CYP Now - Police criticised for their ‘inconsistent’ dealings with young people during lockdown

Young people have criticised the police for their inconsistent approach to dealing with young people during the coronavirus pandemic, a damning survey has found.

Young people from black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) backgrounds surveyed said they are disproportionately stopped by police. Picture: iStock

The survey of 3,500 young people found “some positive examples of police forces dealing sensitively with vulnerability”.

But young people also detailed how police had been intimidating, aggressive and violent towards them. While some particularly vulnerable young people say police failed to show compassion.

One young person in temporary accommodation was fined for being in public for too long during lockdown, another was threatened by officers for exercising in public. Young people surveyed also reported rough treatment during arrests.

The inconsistency is polarising trust among young people that their concerns about policing will be listened to. Around a third (34 per cent) said they would “not feel comfortable” making a complaint about police treatment, while around a half (48 per cent) said they would feel “very comfortable” complaining.

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