New SIPR funded study urges renewed focus on building trust between police and the COVID Generation
A major new study funded by the Scottish Institute for Policing Research sets out how policing in Scotland can rebuild trust and strengthen relationships with young people growing up in communities most affected by poverty, trauma and the long term impacts of the pandemic.
Policing after Lockdown: re building relationships with the COVID Generation brings together findings from young people, youth workers, school staff and police officers in Dundee and Edinburgh.
Drawing on three phases of qualitative work, the report explores how young people feel about life in their communities and their experiences of interacting with police. It highlights that trust in the police remains low among many young people in marginalised areas, with some describing fear or disconnection from local officers.
The research identifies deepening structural inequalities, persistent poverty and limited service resources as major factors shaping young people’s experiences. Youth workers and police officers told researchers that financial pressures across public and third sector services are making it harder to provide the consistent relationship building that is essential to improving trust.
The report also illustrates the importance of local identity, community connections and young people’s desire for safety and belonging. Despite significant challenges, many describe their neighbourhoods as supportive places where friends and family are close by.
Researchers call for a renewed focus on early and sustained engagement with young people, trauma informed practice, stronger partnership working between police and youth services, and greater recognition of the impact of poverty on young people’s behaviour and choices.
They set out a series of recommendations for Police Scotland, including:
• Proactive engagement with young people in marginalised communities
• Monitoring trauma informed policing to ensure compassionate everyday practice
• Poverty awareness training for officers
• Strengthened partnerships between police, youth work and schools
• Involving young people directly in shaping local initiatives and solutions
Quote from lead author Alan Mackie
“The message from our research is that there is much work to be done to build relationships with young people growing up in marginalized communities. However, it is crucial that we understand the context within which the police are operating – a context marked by poverty and by organisations, including the police, education and youth work, working with limited resources. To build the relationships required to bridge the gap with young people, policing will need to think creatively: prioritising engagement where possible, investing in trauma-informed practice, and working in partnership with youth services and schools. Without this commitment, efforts to rebuild trust may remain fragmented and risk deepening the disconnect.
The report provides timely insights for policing in a period where public confidence, legitimacy and trust are central to national debate. It reinforces the need for relational youth centred approaches that acknowledge the realities of inequality and support young people to feel safe and respected in their communities.”
The report provides timely insights for policing in a period where public confidence, legitimacy and trust are central to national debate. It reinforces the need for relational youth centred approaches that acknowledge the realities of inequality and support young people to feel safe and respected in their communities.
The full report can be accessed here
The briefing summary is available here
SIPR is a strategic collaboration that brings together Scottish universities, Police Scotland and partners to support evidence based policing.
