Dr Vicky Kemp Impact Work
With funding from the Nuffield Foundation, we examined the impact of legal rules and guidance on the detention and questioning of child suspects (under 18 years). Uniquely, this included engaging with children while detained about their legal rights and, from a child’s perspective, we found a punitive and adult-centred system of justice. This is contrary to international children’s rights that require a child-centred approach to be adopted at all stages of the criminal process.
Set out in our final report is an evidence base and recommendations for change when requiring a ‘child-centred’ approach to be adopted in police custody. Together with Dr Miranda Bevan, we are currently working with several police forces in piloting some of our recommendations, which include the following:
- To provide custody officers with information, help and support from other agencies to ensure that children are only detained as a last resort
- Having a 12-hour clock when dealing with children - instead of 24 hours that is currently used for all those detained
- Mandatory call out of a lawyer and restrictions on waiver of legal advice
- Having ‘specialist youth lawyers’ to deal with child suspects
- Providing a child with early access to their appropriate adult
- Early involvement of youth justice services
- Providing accessible and age-appropriate information for child suspects about their legal rights
- Specialist training of practitioners involved with child suspects
Findings from these pilot studies will help to inform changes to legislation and guidance required in adopting a child-centred approach in police custody.