New team launched in Northamptonshire to tackle youth anti-social behaviour
Expert youth workers join police to support young people and families
Northamptonshire’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, Danielle Stone, has introduced a new early intervention team aimed at tackling youth anti-social behaviour across the county.
The pilot project begins in Rushden, where youth-related issues have been a challenge. The team integrates specialist youth workers into neighbourhood policing units to provide options beyond criminalisation for young people aged 10 to 17.
Stone explained, “We’re putting expert youth workers into policing teams to work directly with young people and their families. This allows the police to take a different approach by offering support to prevent further bad behaviour and helping young people find positive pathways forward.”
The intervention team aims to stop behaviours that cause harm to communities, such as harassment, nuisance, or theft, while also helping young people feel valued and supported.
Stone said, “We want the wider community to feel safe, but just as importantly, we want young people to feel their needs are being understood and met.
''Our youth workers will work with families to identify barriers, whether it’s lack of confidence or access to opportunities, and help address them.”
The team will liaise with local schools and clubs to explore neighbourhood opportunities for young people, ensuring no resources are overlooked.
Stone added, “This project isn’t just for young men, who are often seen as the main group of concern. We’ll work with all young people, including young women, to provide inclusive support.”
To find out more visit the Northamptonshire’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner's website