Though the numbers aren’t clear, it’s estimated that 1 out of 5 to as many as 1 out of 3 arrests have a child present.
This can be an incredibly scary and traumatic experience; one that police should be trained in to prevent harm and traumatization. For many children, it’s no laughing matter and they no longer trust the police. They may also get nervous when people come to the door unannounced.
To drive home the seriousness of this issue, I’m sharing resources to help law enforcement improve and create less traumatic situations for children.
The Urban Institute offers a fantastic resource on how law enforcement agencies can prioritize the physical and mental well-being of children while making arrests.
Also worth noting is Strategies for Youth’s arrest guide, intending to protect children and minimize harm.
There is also a fantastic report written by Lisa Thurau available here.
My hope is that these practices are eventually required by law and built into law enforcement training.
