Policy Studies Journal’s Post

Whether it is the use of stop-and-search powers disproportionately targeting particular ethnicities or the recent claims about inequalities in how different groups are treated during riots, the term "two-tier policing" is becoming increasingly prevalent in public discourse. This document provides an analysis of the potential impacts of the continued perception of two-tier policing on various aspects of society.

Last month’s Annual Youth Justice Statistics for 2022-23 showed fewer children sentenced or cautioned, improvements in disproportionality, and the lowest number of children in custody, but more children being stopped and searched and arrested, including those entering the criminal justice system for the first time; Keith Fraser, Youth Justice Board for England and Wales (YJB) Chair and Board Champion for Over-Represented Children believes that while there are “rays of optimism” in the figures, much more need to be done to embed change. ❝These figures also highlight that the youth justice system is returning to pre-pandemic levels and as we start to gain a fuller picture, we are beginning to see the challenges that lie ahead.❞ ❝These improvements give me hope that with continued investment, the gains we have been seeing over the last decade will be sustained and built upon.❞ ❝Police and youth justice responses should always be appropriate and proportionate, so I am keen to understand why there are regional differences and this is a question we will be asking.❞ https://lnkd.in/eYwwqRcd #lawenforcement #policing #police #criminaljustice #youthjustice

What role do prosecutors play in addressing the racial disparities in the criminal justice system?   Responding to the report ''Equity is safer: Human rights considerations for policing reform in British Columbia https://lnkd.in/gbiKRq6g'' published by the British Columbia Office of the Human Rights Commissioner, we analyzed the impact of racial disparities in British Columbia policing, their effect on our operations, the amplification of these racial disparities on our decision-making, and their resulting effects on the criminal justice system. We found areas of improvement regarding charge approvals, detention, and stay of proceedings and are committed to taking action on these recommendations.   The executive summary of our report is available here: PPSC - Executive Summary of the Report on Race and Prosecutorial Decision-Making: An Analysis of the Public Prosecution Service of Canada's British Columbia Regional Office - September 2022 (ppsc-sppc.gc.ca) https://lnkd.in/gwV_Nawp

I have many a thoughts about this article. I definitely agree that the public deserve efficient and effective policing services but to frame some DEI initiatives as a hinderance or disruptor to moving Policing forward, instead of an opportunity to better serve the public and their diverse needs is regressive. We've all witnessed a multitude of events unfold over the years, highlighting some of the disconnects between Policing and the Public. Mistrust from several members of the public with single or intersectional protected characteristics have emerged now more than ever too. We've even heard from individuals within Policing that have been too afraid to be their authentic selves. With that being said, it is clear that I stand on the view that Policing isn't what it was 30 years ago and neither is society. Failing to acknowledge DEI efforts (when done right) as an adjunct to Policing rather than some sort of afterthought, in my opinion will make it all the more difficult to build trust let alone perform duties. Just my initial thoughts...

After more than 30 years in policing, David Marshall, now a criminology lecturer and author, argues that for policing to more effectively meet the challenges it currently faces, it must concentrate on the issues that are priorities to the public – such as detecting and preventing crime, and responding to emergencies – rather than on internally focused diversity, equity and inclusion campaigns. ❝The difference between now and then I would argue is that the biggest dangers you faced were outside the police station walls, not within them. The sense of danger was well understood to emanate from the criminals who would do you harm or damage.❞ ❝The climate of internal mistrust and division that has been sown within policing, principally by the diversity, equity and inclusion crusaders and their senior sponsors, has created a truly dreadful environment for much of the workforce, particularly for those at the sharp end of the business.❞ ❝UK and US policing problems are entirely different affairs, and attempting to conflate them is at best unhelpful, at worst a deliberate attempt to inflate the scale of the problem here in the UK.❞ ❝We need to start focusing on the priorities of the public rather than the internal fixations and crusades that suck up so much organisational energy and attention but for which the public couldn’t give a single hoot about.❞ https://lnkd.in/emrFjfTh #lawenforcement #policing #police

This important new briefing by Alliance for Youth Justice (AYJ) sets the #youthjustice agenda for the new govt: to safeguard & support, end racial injustice & ensure custody is a last resort Its recommendations include investing in preventative services and partnerships, embedding child-centred policing, and enhancing diversion. Read it in full here https://bit.ly/3XHt1ot

Can you support this important DBI research?

Public trust in police once again is at the top of the list and continues to rise, while trust in other institutions remains flat. What other institutions? News media and U.S. Congress rank the lowest. Just about every year law enforcement along with military and small biz lead the way in public confidence. Most interesting there's a significant jump this year amongst people of color when it comes to confidence in law enforcement. Good, bad, ugly...law enforcement is one of the best institutions at transparency, engagement, and addressing policy/procedure when it comes to community issues. https://lnkd.in/gW7XddmM

The California State Legislature (Democrats) is back on its "police reform" bandwagon in 2024. SB 50 (Bradford-D, Gardena): This bill will prohibit a peace officer from stopping or detaining the operator of a motor vehicle or bicycle for a low-level infraction (as defined) unless there exists a separate, independent basis for the stop or more than one low-level infraction is observed.  Arguments in support refer to Racial and Identify Profiling Board Reports (RIPA) that found disproportionate pre-textual stops against people of color and identified these stops as "racial profiling." The RIPA data has been challenged by an independent review that cites significant problems in the methodology. https://lnkd.in/gZuw8N7d Be an informed voter #informedvoter

Recent Pew Research shows a growing trend: 47% of Americans now advocate for increased #police funding, up from 31% in 2020. This shift, amid heightened concerns over violent crime, varies by race, age, and political affiliation, reflecting a nuanced public perspective on #communitysafety and law enforcement's role. https://lnkd.in/gkeYBeSA #CommunitySafety #Policing #PublicOpinion #lawenforcement