(UK), Just for Kids Law, Corona-Virus – Children in Police Custody (ENG)
Originally published by Just for Kids Law on 22/03/2020
Summary
Just for Kids Law, Children’s Rights Alliance for England and the Youth Justice Legal Centre wrote to the Home Office setting out their concerns about children coming into contact with the police during this period. In their letter, Just for Kids Law express concern about the safety of children and young people who may be exposed to COVID-19 as a result of arrest or detention. In their letter they urge the Home Office to issue immediate guidance to the police asking them to refrain from arresting children and exposing them to greater risk of contracting COVID-19, unless absolutely necessary. Arrest should only be used as an absolute last resort, they argue, in relation to only the most serious crimes and maintaining public order, in line with the Government Coronavirus action plan.