Today, IARS, the leading international think-tank on youth-led research, published their findings from a project carried out in collaboration with the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) on youth violence on London transport networks after school hours.
Findings highlight a gap between perception and experience of youth violence on London’s buses. Aligned with the 99% campaign and London Serious Youth Violence Board findings, the IARS youth-led report evidenced a false perception from some members of the community, particularly adults, who perceive that youth crime is much worse than it actually is.
The research was carried out over 15 months by a group of 13 young (16 -24 years old) Londoners some of whom had direct experience of the criminal justice system. In-depth research was carried out with over 82 young people and several adult professionals.
Dr. Theo Gavrielides, IARS Director said: “This project proves that young people can be key players in crime reduction and policy when given the right support. Youth-led research is not a myth and I am pleased that IARS, its Youth Voice Journal and our Academic Board supported this ground-breaking project. I am particularly thankful to the London Serious Youth Violence Board and our MPS colleagues for believing in our way of creating evidence-base criminal justice policy”.
Michael Taylor, Head of MPS Specialist Crime Prevention and Partnership said: “The underlying principle of policing in London and nationally is one of policing by consent. This requires the confidence of the communities we serve. Processes such as this, which enables the MPS and other organisations to engage with and listen to young people are critical in ensuring our policies meet the needs of young people in London”.
Tusahy Dollen, aged 17 from Walthamstow said: “The research is valuable to organisations serving us but more importantly in showing other young people that their voice is not lost and that there are organisations out there, such as IARS, to help us get heard and bring about change.”
MPS Inspector David Partridge said: “The project has provided many youths a unique opportunity to assist us in identifying key policing issues from a young person’s perspective. Their views have been crucial in developing suitable tactics to tackle crime and help to make London a safer place for us all."
Chief Inspector Stuart Trayler, Safer Transport command (STC) said:“This is a fantastic project that shows young people are vital resources in helping us work closer with their peers. As the research suggests, young people are often stigmatised disproportionately. Through partnership working the STC are determined to help change this negative and unfair perception of young people in London.”
With the support of the Safer Transport Command, IARS will be following up the findings from the project and would like to hear from anyone interested in being involved. The project falls under IARS’ 99% Campaign – which promotes the positive contributions made by young people and aims to dispel negative stereotypes.
The paper is published in Youth Voice Journal a groundbreaking publication that allows young researchers to publish their work alongside leading academics. To acquire a copy of the research contact the Assistant Managing Editor Rosie Tilson-Smith r.smith@iars.org.uk
Ends.
Notes to editors:
About IARS: IARS is an independent charity with a mission to enable young people from all walks of life to have a better future and participate equally and democratically in civic life. For more information please see – www.iars.org.uk
About the London Serious Youth Violence Board: The LSYVB was set up to improve the way in which agencies share information and work together in order to reduce serious youth violence and to reduce the fear of violence across London. For more information please see - www.lsyvb.org.uk
About the 99% campaign: The 99% campaign is a pan-London, youth-led, collaborative initiative that sits within the charity,Independent Academic Research Studies (IARS) and aims to make London a safer, more inclusive and cohesive place for all.
Youth Voice is an international, multidisciplinary, refereed journal that publishes theoretical contributions and empirical studies on youth policy and issues affecting young people. http://iars.org.uk/youth-voice
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