Leader — the legacy of the 2011 riots

Three years after the riots, just how much has changed? It seems the Powers-That-Be appear to be preparing for more civil unrest.

The introduction of Tasers in Hackney and other London boroughs has met with consternation, whilst the purchase of some second-hand water cannon by London Mayor Boris Johnson has raised eyebrows too.

Meanwhile, insurance companies have become nervous of the government’s riot damages reforms, believing they will be forced to shell out more in the event of further disquiet.

Under the current Riot Damages Act of 1886, people who suffer loss or damages can claim compensation from the local police budget. Following the 2011 riots police forces were left with a large bill.

But insurers fear planned changes to the law will leave businesses facing higher bills instead and are urging a re-think.

Perish the thought that a bigger re-think by the authorities might be on the cards.
That way they might look at what they can do to prevent civil unrest rather than just preparing to react.

Treatment of young people

As the Hackney Citizen mentioned only last month, a new bill winging its way through Parliament means those caught twice with a knife can soon expect an automatic custodial sentence.

But tougher sentencing policies will land more young people in jail and result in increasingly overcrowded and under-resourced institutions.

The fact the government has set up an independent inquiry into the deaths in custody of 18- to 24-year-olds, suggests there is some recognition that prison is becoming an ever more dangerous place for young people.

Which suggest that this approach may not end well for the individuals concerned.

Sadly the inquiry won’t be also looking into the deaths of children under 18 who have died in young offender institutions (YOIs) and secure training centres.

However, it has put the brakes on its plan to close seven Youth Offending Institutions and move some young offenders into adult jails.

Surely what’s really needed is a full review into how young people are ending up in the criminal justice system in the first place?