NCJ Number
148692
Date Published
1993
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This paper presents some of the findings on police attitudes toward their work with youth in Australia, as obtained from the 1992 National Youth Affairs Research Scheme.
Abstract
The survey used 90 police officers: 30 each from Queensland, Tasmania, and Western Australia. The purpose of the survey was to determine police perceptions of their work with juveniles and the issues they perceive as the most important in police-youth relations. The findings suggest the need for police to reconsider the necessity for frequent stopping and questioning of juveniles. Police should also consider the problems posed for the long-term relationship between police and juveniles when the police use physical and verbal intimidation during the investigation of offenses. Police are unclear about the rights of juveniles during questioning, and they often do not respond appropriately when juveniles assert their rights. Police need to cultivate respect for the rights and appropriate treatment of marginal, Aboriginal, and Torres Strait Islander youth. Findings further show the need for additional community programs and more opportunities for information and casual interaction between juveniles and police. Overall, the findings suggest the need for specialist training and education for police officers, so they are prepared to understand juveniles and develop the skills required to work with them. Other suggestions that derive from the findings are the creation of a youth ombudsman and the use of alternative dispute resolution strategies at the neighborhood level. 1 reference