The issue of youth crime in Queensland is becoming more prevalent, with children as young as 10 being involved in serious crimes such as home invasions and car thefts. Authorities are struggling to find a balance between keeping the community safe and breaking the cycle of delinquency among youth. Detective Andrew Massingham, who leads the Queensland Police Service’s youth crime portfolio, believes that intervention needs to happen at an early age, preferably before birth to age five, to prevent children from entering a life of crime.
Despite calls from the community to lock up children who commit serious crimes, experts argue that detention only reinforces the cycle of criminal behavior. Massingham agrees that the research supporting this theory is strong, and emphasizes the importance of intervening early to prevent future offending. He has implemented programs like Project Booyah to steer at-risk youth back into education and employment, but acknowledges the challenges of engaging with repeat offenders who show no interest in rehabilitation.
In a bid to keep juvenile offenders off the streets, Queensland police are writing stronger affidavits as part of their objections to bail, and appealing decisions to release children if necessary. There has been a push for electronic monitoring through ankle bracelets to track the movements of at-risk youth and prevent them from reoffending. However, experts warn that such monitoring may stigmatize and isolate young individuals, reinforcing delinquency rather than deterring it.
Criminologist Lauren Humby believes that redirecting funding from detention and supervision towards health, education, and social services could have a more positive impact on preventing youth crime. The state government is awaiting recommendations from a youth justice select committee on detention as a last resort for young people, while the Opposition Leader is campaigning for tougher laws for juveniles. The issue of youth crime, particularly in cities like the Gold Coast and Mackay, continues to be a challenge for authorities, with taskforces being deployed to target areas with high levels of offending.
The visibility of youth crime through CCTV and social media has led to a perception of increased frequency, although Massingham believes that intervention in early childhood is key to breaking the cycle of delinquency. He emphasizes the need for a holistic approach that includes support for families at risk of domestic violence and early intervention strategies to prevent youth from entering a life of crime. As the debate over how to address youth crime in Queensland continues, it is clear that a multi-faceted approach is needed to tackle the complex issues that lead children down the path of offending.
