The PSNI has said it aims to reshape its relationship with young people in the north as part of a new policing strategy.
The force launched its Children and Young People strategy on Tuesday, which aims to ensure youngsters can "help shape the future of policing and that they ultimately feel safe".
The strategy is aligned with guidelines set by the UK National Police Chiefs' Council, and focuses on issues including engagement, stop-and-search incidents and protecting victims and witnesses.
In 2021/22 under-18s made up 10.35 per cent of all victims of reported crime in the north.
“Children and young people are often the unseen victims of many crimes and their voices are not always heard, nor do they feel confident or empowered to speak out. As a police service, we want to work with our partners to change this," Assistant Chief Constable Bobby Singleton said.
“Northern Ireland and its complex cultural backdrop has meant that we have to work incredibly hard to build trust and confidence within our communities.
“We want young people to know that we are their police service, we are there for them and we take their concerns as seriously as those of adults.”
Mr Singleton outlined steps the PSNI has taken in recent years, including a partnership with the Northern Ireland Executive to fund and facilitate local initiatives, including schemes for young people who are potentially vulnerable to paramilitary influence and harm.
“Last year £145,000 was invested by the Executive into local engagement activities that included sporting initiatives, video gaming programmes and mentorship schemes. Approximately 700 young people took part in 2022/23," he said.
“The last three years has been an incredibly challenging time for society as a whole, but sometimes it’s easy to forget that our young people have felt the strain just as much. The ongoing cost of living crisis means young people are at even more risk of criminal influence. We don’t want to see more young people losing their future."
Welcoming the new strategy, Policing Board chair Deirdre Toner said: "The rights of children and young people need to be respected and protected, and this is an area of work that the Board will continue to keep under close review through its oversight work and through that of its Human Rights Advisor.”
The Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People’s chief executive Mairead McCafferty said: "The strategy outlines areas of importance that can contribute to confidence in policing. It also highlights the importance of genuine engagement i.e. listening to children and young people and respecting their views, experiences and opinions – a prerequisite to developing positive relationships. I look forward to seeing it put into practice.”
