NCJ Number
151843
Date Published
1992
Length
94 pages
Annotation
Police-juvenile relations in Australia were examined with respect to legislation and policy, the relationships between youth and police, police/youth programs, and legal information services for juveniles.
Abstract
Information came from interviews with 382 youths, mostly ages 16 and 17; 90 police officers; and 69 youth legal advocates from Queensland, Tasmania, Victoria, and Western Australia. The youths were selected from schools, shopping malls, and youth hostels and youth service centers. Results revealed that police, youth, and attorneys agree that contacts between police and juveniles involve numerous difficulties. These may result partly from the inadequacy of police education and training regarding police-juvenile interactions. However, the research also revealed inadequacies in existing legislation regarding police procedures before and during interrogation and the rights of the suspect during the investigative process. The lack of clear statutory statements of the rights of minors in these areas hinders any attempt on the part of youth to assert their rights and makes it difficult for the police to know their legal limitations. Findings also indicated that major problems exist with youth access to legal advice and to mechanisms for addressing complaints. Tables, footnotes, appended instruments, and 46 references