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Challenging misconceptions about youth crime

Despite the recent increase in media focus on gun and knife crime, few cautions or convictions against young people relate to violence. In reality, the bulk of criminal convictions – more than 68% – relate to theft, handling stolen goods, burglary, fraud or forgery and criminal damage.

Within two years of release from custody 73% of offenders aged 18 to 21 and 82% of young males aged 15 to 18 are reconvicted. These alarming rates of reoffending are thought to contribute to the perception that the judicial system is ineffective in deterring young offenders. This is reflected in recent research conducted by the Metropolitan Police Authority (MPA).

According to the MPA's new youth scrutiny report, young people believe there is little retributive or restorative justice; offenders "went in and came out the same." Many also believe that you are unlikely to be caught if you commit a crime, and even if you are then the sentence will be short, and prisons are just like "youth clubs." Although some critics argue that these views are biased – claiming many young people will not concede that they found the experience tough so as not to 'lose face' – it is evidently still a message which many young people are receiving.

The MPA report recommends that the Criminal Justice System provides youth-friendly information on youth justice in order to tackle these perceptions, whilst many local projects work directly with young people to challenge their impressions about the consequences of carrying a knife, and the impact on their lives, families and communities.

There seems to be a real communication problem at the heart of youth crime strategies, particularly around knife crime. The government, the justice system and the police need to confront the myths and misperceptions that many young people hold about custodial and community sentencing. Creating a coherent, joined-up approach between these messages, and involving young people directly in developing appropriate communications about gun and knife crime, will be key to creating an enduring campaign for change.

For more information or to view the MPA report, please click here.

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Tackling knife crime through enforcement and education

By Vernon Coaker MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Crime Reduction at the Home Office

Helping young people achieve their full potential has always been one of this Government's priorities. And, as a former teacher, it is one that is particularly close to me.

I believe the vast majority of young people are decent, conscientious and want to make the best of their lives.

But, while violent crime has fallen by almost a third in the last ten years, there are serious concerns about incidents involving knives.

That's why the Government has taken action and strengthened enforcement, backed by a multi million pound information campaign, to get across the message that carrying a knife is unacceptable and will result in tough sanctions.

It is completely unacceptable to carry a knife. Young people need to know that carrying a knife won’t protect them, they do the opposite – and increase the danger for all of us.

After a meeting earlier this month in Downing Street, the Government announced that anyone over the age of 16 caught in possession of a knife can expect to be prosecuted on the first offence. Those under 16 can still expect to receive at least a caution coupled with a knife education scheme to help them understand the potential catastrophic consequences of carrying knives.

The Home Office's £3 million advertising campaign, designed by young people for young people, vividly gets across the message that carrying a knife can wreck lives. The Government also announced an increase in the use of stop and search by police and the extension of knife referral schemes so that young people convicted of carrying a knife receive education on the dangers and risks.

By combining tough enforcement and information campaigns with education and prevention work, we can help as many young people as possible realise their potential. We will continue to do all we can to rid our streets and communities of knives.

DISCLAIMER: Opinions expressed in this article are solely the author's and not those of Corporate Culture.

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