Policing & The Black Child Conference Report

The report, derived from the discussions and insights shared at the most recent conference, sheds light on the systemic failures in policing practices that disproportionately harm Black children in London.

Serving as both a reflection and a call to action, the report urges key stakeholders, the Government, the Mayor, and the Commissioner, to take immediate action to address entrenched racial disparities, safeguard vulnerable children, and rebuild trust between communities and law enforcement through actionable, community-driven solutions

The report details how Black children in London are disproportionately subjected to violent arrests, stop-and-search practices, and intimate searches. These interactions often occur without proper safeguards or consideration for the welfare of the child.

Racial bias and a systemic failure to follow established guidelines are pervasive, leading to trauma and a breakdown of trust within Black communities. The need for reform is urgent, as the current policing landscape continues to neglect the protection of Black children.

At the Policing the Black Child Conference, co-hosted with the University of East London (UEL) and Action for Race Equality (ARE), over 400 participants, including policymakers, community leaders, and experts, came together to discuss these issues.

Through community-led workshops and expert presentations, key recommendations were generated, including the establishment of a trauma-informed safeguarding framework, independent oversight of police interactions with children, and mandatory anti-racism training for officers.

The APA has proposed three immediate actions to address these systemic issues:

• The Creation of a London Black Child Safeguarding Board: This board will ensure that police interactions with children are trauma-informed and subject to independent oversight.

• The Development of a Community-Led Policing Charter for London: This charter would help to address racial disparities in policing and rebuild public trust in law enforcement.

• An Annual Policing the Black Child Conference: The APA calls for this conference to be made an annual event, ensuring ongoing dialogue and continued attention to these critical issues.