JustSpeak Calls for Prohibition of Police Cell Detention for Young People

JustSpeak, a young people’s network working towards a fairer justice system, applauds the national review of young people in police in detention released yesterday but believes more must be done.

JustSpeak supports the review, produced jointly by the Independent Police Conduct Authority, the Office of the Children’s Commissioner and the Human Rights Commission, which highlights the damaging effects of holding young people suspected of crime in Police cells.

“How we treat our young people is a fundamental human rights issue” says JustSpeak spokesperson Kate Stone. “Police cells are confined spaces that can be unclean, lacking in ventilation and with constant, 24-hour lighting. There can be limited or no access to adequate healthcare, food or showering facilities and no ability to communicate with family, sometimes not even with their social worker.

“This review shows a sector united in its belief that police cells are wholly inadequate for young people, and especially those who are mentally ill. Policy makers must wake up to these facts and prohibit police cell detention for young people.

“JustSpeak challenges the review’s assumption that the use of Police cells – although not ideal – may be permissible where there are resource pressures. When we enable the discretionary use of police cell detention, even as a last resort only, we normalise its use. We know that since 2009, police cell detentions have almost tripled. This is unacceptable.”

“Changing the law to prohibit Police cell detention could free our resources for more appropriate solutions, such as skilled specialist homes, supported bail programmes, and empowering iwi social service providers to provide care. JustSpeak accepts that New Zealand is a large country with a small population, meaning that transport at 1am on a Saturday night to an alternative placement may be logistically difficult. However, logistics and resource issues do not trump the fact that young people are entitled to special protections.”

“As a group, young people are inherently vulnerable in the face of Police power. Some will have mental illness issues, or even be at risk of suicide. Our law offers young people special protections for a reason.”

JustSpeak, which holds very popular community forums in Wellington and Auckland each month, as well as producing research and academic submissions, commends the review for its consultation with young people. “We believe that the most important step for policy makers is to consult those who policy affects. This is evident in the review.”

ENDS

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