Letter: Covert police tactics beyond legal control
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sir: In your leading article on Jack Straw's proposals to tackle juvenile offending (4 March), you say that the facts of youth crime justify Mr Straw's "song and dance" about the issue. The trouble is that the facts are extremely difficult to interpret.
The Criminal Statistics, for example, show a marked decline in the number of 10-to-13-year-olds convicted or cautioned in the years since 1985. The numbers of 14-to-17-year-olds convicted or cautioned has remained more or less constant over that period.
It is said that the greater use of informal action by the police may explain these trends. But as they stand, the statistics do not warrant the feverish language about young people and crime to which politicians of both main parties now seem to be addicted.
STEPHEN SHAW
Director
Prison Reform Trust
London EC1
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments