Over 4,000 Minors Held in Police Cells Last Year, Urgent Calls for Change

New statistics reveal that more than 4,000 minors were detained in police custody over the past year, prompting renewed calls for reform from the Children’s Commissioner. The figures, disclosed by Police Minister Mark Mitchell in response to parliamentary inquiries by Labour MP Duncan Webb, underscore growing concerns about the treatment of young people within the juvenile justice system.

According to Mitchell, there were 4,093 instances of custody involving individuals under the age of 18 in the past year. Among these, 304 were defined as children aged 13 years or younger, with the longest consecutive detention lasting 43 hours. The remaining 3,789 cases involved young people aged 14 to 17, with the longest time spent in custody reaching 190 hours, or eight nights.

The Children’s Commissioner expressed deep concern regarding the increasing number of young people held in police cells. “Over time, I have been really concerned we have seen increasing numbers of children held in police cells over the past few years,” she stated. “Even one or two nights in a police cell is a long time for a child to be held in an adult environment.”

A recent case highlighted the urgency of the issue. A mother from Christchurch revealed her 15-year-old son was detained for six nights in police cells before being transferred to Oranga Tamariki. She reported that her son’s mental health significantly deteriorated during this period, leading to a suicide attempt on the first night in custody. This was not an isolated incident; the mother noted it was the second time her son had been held for multiple days in police cells, having previously spent seven days in custody.

Mitchell acknowledged the challenges faced by police regarding youth custody, stating, “Police have very high standards and a proud record of providing world-class custody services. However, it is important that youth offenders be transferred to youth justice facilities as quickly as possible.”

In light of these issues, Children’s Minister Karen Chhour announced a $33 million investment aimed at enhancing safety and quality in youth justice facilities. This funding will also improve transitional support for young offenders. “I believe this investment will reduce the number of young people being held in police custody for an extended period of time,” she remarked.

Chhour emphasized that community safety remains a priority, particularly when a young person commits a serious crime that necessitates custody. She underscored the collaborative decision-making process between Oranga Tamariki and police when determining custody for serious offenses.

The Christchurch mother called for systemic changes, arguing that if no beds are available at Oranga Tamariki, young offenders should be released home, highlighting that not all youth have the same privileges. She proposed increased investment in community-based remand options for children awaiting Youth Court hearings, advocating for alternatives to police custody.

The statistics and personal stories reflect a pressing need for reform in how young people are treated in the justice system. As discussions continue, the focus will likely remain on finding solutions that prioritize both the welfare of young individuals and community safety.