Engaging with youth and why we need more community policing

Published: 19 May, 2011

• THE Borough Commander is right to prioritise gang crime, and – on a temporary basis – reinstate the South Hampstead/ Swiss Cottage dispersal zone in the wake of the recent double-stabbing in Mortimer Crescent (Cops ‘engage’ with youths to beat gangs, May 12).

“Engagement” with young people is clearly key. Talking to young people, rather than simply demonising all of them with a very broad brush is essential. Our Safer Neighbourhood Team recognises this, as does Chief Supt John Sutherland, I’m glad to read from his comments in your piece.

This is why the government’s plans to criminalise Asbos and anti-social behaviour penalties must be looked at very carefully. I’ve asked that the culture & environment scrutiny committee takes an urgent look at our approach to community safety and the government’s plans for “Crasbos”. 

Regular warnings emanating from London Assembly members about plans to cut or water down SNTs are most worrying. In the wake of incidents like that in my ward, however rare, we need more community policing, not less.

CLLR MIKE KATZ
Labour, Kilburn ward