From the Frontline: Don't turn our youth centres into fortresses
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
I was recently talking to a colleague who criticised youth clubs with "open-door policies". It was not enough, he said, to have someone by the door asking young people to sign in. There should at least be a locked door with window or spyhole, preferably a video entry system, and possibly trained security guards with metal detectors.
I found this an interesting interpretation of creating a welcoming and youth-friendly space. And yet the introduction of security measures is snowballing, motivated by worries over gun and knife crime and fear of paedophiles, it can be difficult to argue against when the safety card is pulled. But as a detached worker, I know that security and surveillance alienate many young people.
Some worry that CCTV images will be passed to authorities, not because they are doing anything "wrong" but because they are protective of their privacy. Others are simply shy. I know from my own experience joining a youth group that it took courage to walk through the door the first few times. I liked knowing I could come and go without having to speak to anyone or being watched. A buzzer, intercom and camera might have stopped me entering.
I know of places where young people themselves asked for better security. Such requests must be taken seriously, but pros and cons need to be discussed, both with those who made the request and with others in the area. Relationships must remain central to youth work and help keep us safe, and it is inevitable that these are more challenging when the door is closed. Many people feel anxious in buildings that resemble fortresses, and locks and cameras may accelerate tension. Other services are going in the opposite direction; a housing office in my area reduced aggressive incidents by taking away the security screens separating staff and customers.
Cameras and metal detectors can create a false sense of security. It is never possible to eliminate risk entirely. If someone is intent on attacking a youth club member, they might wait until that person was walking home and further from help. Or they might enter without a weapon but take a knife from the club's kitchen or workshop - so should we stop cooking and crafts?
These issues will not be resolved by individual clubs, detached teams or groups of young people. Security is something we need to discuss and debate, both in our own neighbourhoods and on a wider scale. Let's not make youth centres so secure that nobody comes in.
From the Frontline is written by a London-based detached youth worker.
