We want young people to have a say on issues in their local community and concerns, which affect them.
Crime, policing and community safety effect everyone. However, research shows the under-25s are more likely to become victims of crime.
The Home Office’s 2003 Crime and Justice Survey (C&JS) found:
- Over a third (35%) of young people aged 10 to 15 had experienced crime in the previous 12 months;
- The degree of repeat victimisation for violent offences was particularly high for young people;
- Offending by young people was most likely to lead to them becoming victims of crime.
As potential victims, it is important that the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) represents young people’s views, experiences and priorities. This is so the PCC can meet their needs when planning and funding services.
It is also vital that the PCC encourages young people to take an active part in their community and become responsible citizens.
By providing positive activities for young people across Cleveland, they are also less like to come into contact with the courts and police – either as offenders or victims.
That’s why Cleveland PCC funds the Cleveland Youth Advisory Group (YAG)
Cleveland Youth Advisory Group (YAG)
The YAG was founded in 2022. It is run by Redcar-based youth charity The Junction
Drawing members from all of Cleveland’s four boroughs (Stockton, Middlesbrough, Hartlepool, Redcar and Cleveland,) the YAG gives young people the chance to have their say on policing, community safety and victims services.
The YAG builds on the work of Cleveland Youth Commission on Crime, which worked with Cleveland Police and Crime Commissioner between 2020 and 2022.