The Minister for Youth Justice, Sir Nic Dakin, visited Wiltshire Police last week to learn about the Force’s innovative efforts to prevent young people from entering the criminal justice system and to support those at risk of offending.
Wiltshire Police is among the first forces to host the minister, as its Chief Constable, Catherine Roper, serves as the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) lead for Children and Young People.
Key Achievements Highlighted
During the visit, Chief Constable Roper outlined several key accomplishments in the Force’s approach to youth crime:
- Out of Court Resolutions: The use of these interventions has significantly increased, rising from just five in 2018 to 851 in 2024.
- Knife Crime Reduction: Youth engagement efforts in Swindon have led to an 18.1% decrease in knife crime, a 25% reduction in serious violence, and notable decreases in robbery.
- Quicker Location of Missing Children: High-risk missing children are now located in an average of under 12 hours, down from 24 hours in 2023/24.
- Youth Engagement Initiatives: Activities such as football and climbing sessions, along with the launch of the Police Challenge Badge for Girl Guides and Scouts, are helping to build trust and confidence among young people.
A Collaborative Approach
Chief Constable Roper emphasized the importance of fostering positive relationships and restorative interventions:
“I am deeply passionate about our drive to improve how policing serves children and young people, so I was delighted to meet with the Minister to illustrate the work we are doing to support this.
“All children should have the opportunity to fulfil their potential without their lives being blighted by crime, whether as victims, offenders, or living in communities impacted by the fear of crime.”
Roper highlighted Wiltshire Police’s collaboration with partners and multi-agency efforts as central to their success.
Ministerial Support
Sir Nic Dakin praised the Force’s proactive approach, stating:
“Wiltshire Police is setting a commendable example of how to engage with young people, build trust, and prevent youth crime. The strides they’ve made in reducing knife crime and fostering community trust are exemplary.”
The visit underscores the importance of sharing best practices nationwide, with Wiltshire Police leading the charge in creating safer, more supportive environments for children and young people.
A Continuing Commitment
Chief Constable Roper concluded by affirming the Force’s commitment to continuous improvement:
“We will continue to strengthen relationships and develop our multi-agency approach to make a lasting contribution to our children and young people in Wiltshire.”
This visit showcases Wiltshire Police’s dedication to transforming youth justice and creating opportunities for young people to thrive without fear of crime.
