Back to the Future

Sir Denis O'Connor, HM Chief Inspector of Constabulary is likely to have ignited a heated debate with his confirmation of what the public have known for some time, namely that the police have retreated from the streets. When he was interviewed by John Humphries on the BBC Today programme I was particularly struck by his use of military-style language such as 'the need to reclaim the streets' and to having to take up 'defensive positions'. I notice that PCSO's didn't warrant a mention at all, probably confirming that in reality they have been of limited use. They still have to patrol in pairs for their safety it seems and are not allowed out at night. Of course Sir Denis's timing couldn't really be better, coming as it does only days before the announcement of widespread spending cuts with police budgets not being protected. I guess it's wise to get your special pleading in early and Sir Denis is making it plain that the situation can only get worse if the police get less cash.

I think we all now appreciate that ASBO's haven't been the answer as promised by Tony Blair and as a probation officer I was relieved to hear the announcement of their demise shortly after the election of the new coalition government. They have been a disaster and led to many young people being incarcerated needlessly through widespread breach. But I don't think the answer lies with a 'crackdown' by the police. The responsibility is much broader and I'm reminded of this:- ".....a form of childcare for young people in trouble that involves neither custody nor punishment and provides opportunities to learn constructive patterns of behaviour to replace potential criminal ones" 

Not a quote from some trendy new piece of research,  but those with long memories will recognise it as a definition of something that went by the name of 'Intermediate Treatment' and dates from the 1960's and guess what - a social work philosophy that at the time underpinned the probation service. IT was running in the office as I joined and was a collaborative venture with our social work colleagues. Sadly we allowed the right-wing press to help sabotage an effective programme by labelling it as 'treats for naughty kids'. Of course in those days there was a dynamic Youth and Community Service and facilities called Youth Clubs. What happened there was we allowed councillors to label them as 'old fashioned' and unpopular and they were demolished instead of being adapted as youth culture changed. All to save money as unfortunately the Youth Service has never been a statutory service, but rather a 'permissive' function of Local Government and therefore one that can easily be cut back. An attempt to get the status of the Youth Service changed during the last government failed and we continue to pay the price with a widespread disaffected youth problem.

So, what is my prescription? A statutory Youth Service, properly funded, with qualified Youth Workers and that forms part of each districts Youth Offending Team. I have never understood the logic of a YOT that doesn't include the Youth Service for goodness sake. Oh, and how about having another look at good old IT - carrots instead of sticks - what an interesting concept.