Child arrests fall by two thirds in six years

The number of children arrested by West Midlands Police has decreased by 64 per cent in the last six years, while arrests by Staffordshire Police have dropped by 68 per cent in the same period.

The figures have been released today by the Howard League for Penal Reform, which launched a programme in 2010 to keep as many children out of the criminal justice system as possible.

Research by the charity found West Midlands Police made 5,244 arrests of children aged 17 and under last year, down from 14,387 in 2010.

Staffordshire Police made 1,350 arrests last year, down from 4,163 in 2010.

Brigg Ford, a spokesman for West Midlands Police, said the force 'could not speculate' as to why there had been such a severe drop in the figures.

Staffordshire Police said it was looking to further reduce the number of children it arrests.

Inspector Martin Steventon, from the force's integrated offender management team, said: “Staffordshire Police continues to work closely with partner agencies, such as the youth offending services and national bodies, as we aim to further reduce the number of children arrested.

“Our priority is to ensure that due consideration is given to utilising tactics that do not require an arrest to be made but nevertheless result in an intervention for the young person, and a positive outcome for the victim.

"We will continue to work with agencies such as the Howard League for Penal Reform, in our efforts to further reduce the number of children arrested across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent.

"As a force we also ensure that every arrest involving a young person is carefully considered and scrutinised to make sure that our approach is appropriate to, and commensurate with, the circumstances of each case and the needs of those involved.”

Across England and Wales, the total number of arrests has fallen by 64 per cent in six years – from almost 250,000 in 2010 to 87,525 in 2016.

Frances Crook, the chief executive of the Howard League for Penal Reform, said: “For the sixth year running, we have seen a significant reduction in child arrests across the country. This is a tremendous achievement, and we will continue to support police forces to develop their good practice and reduce the number to an absolute minimum.

“West Midlands Police and Staffordshire Police should be applauded for their positive approach, and the Howard League is proud to have played its part in a transformation that will make our communities safer.

“By working together, we are ensuring that tens of thousands of children will have a brighter future and not be dragged into a downward spiral of crime and custody.”