Police Commitment to Young Adults
This commitment from the police has been developed by New Generation Policing. It acknowledges that young adults need a distinct approach when they experience crisis, become victims of crime, or break the law.
There is strong evidence from neuroscience, psychology and criminology that the brain continues to develop until a person’s mid-20s. The last elements to develop are forward planning, rational thinking and empathy. We also know that poverty, trauma, and mental health needs make young adults vulnerable and more likely to come into contact with the police.
This commitment acknowledges that the right intervention can make all the difference. Preventative measures are reducing the number of children entering the criminal justice system, and a similar approach could be used with young adults.
