Young People and the Law: A Step Backwards?

Young people in major cities are being viewed with unnecessary fear and suspicion. This is not a good way to handle youth crime. It is important to remember that young people are still developing. They should not be treated as adults in the legal system.

The National Guard Approach

The idea of using the National Guard to control "wild youth" is a step back in time. This approach was used in the 1990s and it did not work. It led to more harm than good. Young people, especially those in communities of color, were targeted unfairly. This led to more arrests, detentions, and incarcerations. It also led to young people being sent to adult prisons at a very young age.

Past Policies and Their Impact

The "tough on crime" policies of the past did not make communities safer. They caused a lot of damage that took years to recover from. The argument for bringing back these policies is based on fear and false information. It is important to remember that crime rates have been declining in many cities. This is a good time to invest in what truly keeps communities safe.

Knowledge and Training

Young people need to know their rights and responsibilities under the law. They need to be equipped with this knowledge before they need it. Most teenagers do not know the basics about how to navigate encounters with police. This is a troubling gap that needs to be addressed.

Police officers need to be trained to understand the age and brain development of juveniles. This will help ensure productive and safe outcomes when interacting with them. The National Guard does not have this training. Deploying them into this role puts both the National Guard and the communities from which they were recruited at risk.

Militarizing Police

Militarizing police also damages the local police department's credibility and standing in the communities they serve. Progress is made in local police department practices by remaining accountable to their communities. The city's police department, when backed with proper training, policies, and resources, remains best positioned to safely police that city's youth.

The Current Approach

The current approach to handling youth will not make us safer. It will put our communities, and our young people, at greater risk. Our nation's children deserve better.