Navigating the crossroads of youth justice and policing: Call for holistic approach
In the field of youth justice and policing, navigating the complex landscape requires more than just law enforcement measures
First published on Edith Cowan University
In the field of youth justice and policing, navigating the complex landscape requires more than just law enforcement measures; it demands a nuanced understanding of the complex issues at play.
In a recent interview with Rhiannon Van Vliet from Police Horizons, ECU Criminology Lecturer Dr Suz Rock sheds light on the challenges, opportunities, and potential pathways toward improving outcomes for young people caught in the justice system.
Dr Rock said socio-economic backgrounds, intergenerational trauma, disengagement with school, and mental health were some of the intersecting issues contributing to youth crime.
She emphasised the importance for police of recognising the developmental stage of young offenders and understanding the myriad of factors that contribute to their behaviour.
Policing in this context went beyond traditional law enforcement and became a delicate balance of community safety concerns, legislative constraints, and fostering positive relationships with young people.
Dr Rock urged for a shift toward systemic change, emphasising the need for multi-agency collaboration and specialised training for officers.
By investing in programs that promote early intervention, diversion, and restorative justice, she says police can forge pathways toward rehabilitation, rather than solely punitive measures.
Listen to Dr Suz Rock’s full interview on Police Horizons here.
