Young Londoners’ Perception of Safety Under Scrutiny
Recent findings from a 2022 survey reveal concerning statistics regarding the safety perceptions of young people in London. Approximately 10% of youth reported feeling unsafe at school, while 20% expressed similar sentiments in their neighbourhoods, primarily due to concerns surrounding hate crime, weapon carrying, and gang-related activities.
Call for Annual Surveys
This survey, part of the latest report from the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC) published in April 2023, has prompted the London Assembly Police and Crime Committee to advocate for annual surveys to gather current data on the feelings and experiences of children and adolescents in the capital.
Voices of the Youth
During the committee’s discussions, one young participant noted that increased police visibility in their area often instilled fear rather than comfort. Another individual highlighted that those from ethnic minority communities frequently harbour greater apprehension towards police interactions, emphasising the need for targeted efforts to foster trust.
Recommendations for Improvement
The recent report, titled Neighbourhood Policing: The Experience of Young Londoners, puts forth several recommendations aimed at improving the safety and policing experiences of young individuals:
- The Metropolitan Police, with MOPAC’s backing, should develop a charter outlining their approach in dealings with young people.
- By 2026-27, the Metropolitan Police should cooperate with youth and specialised organisations to co-design elements of police training focused on prioritising children and youth engagement.
- Before September 2026, an independent evaluation of the effectiveness of the Met’s Child First training should be commissioned to assess its impact on interactions with young people.
Official Comments
Marina Ahmad AM, Chair of the London Assembly Police and Crime Committee, emphasised the importance of ensuring safety for children within their communities and educational settings. She remarked:
“Understanding young people’s fears is vital in nurturing trust and confidence in the police. However, regular consultation with youth is lacking, which can lead to feelings of alienation. Up-to-date data would improve MOPAC’s understanding of the issues young individuals face.”
Ahmad further acknowledged support for the Met’s Child First initiative but voiced concerns regarding the consistent provision of assistance to young people by law enforcement.
Source: official statements, news agencies, and public reports.
https://www.london.gov.uk/who-we-are/what-london-assembly-does/london-assembly-press-releases/children-need-feel-safer-london
