Background & Purpose
Criminal gangs are increasingly using children under the age of 15 to commit serious crimes, as these children cannot be prosecuted in the same way as adults. This creates a gap in the legal system that makes it difficult for police to stop the recruitment and involvement of children in criminal networks.
Proposals & Debate
The government proposed that police should be allowed to use secret surveillance methods, such as wiretapping, even when the suspect is under 15. They also suggested that police should have the authority to hold children for longer periods to ensure they are safely handed over to parents or social services, aiming to prevent further criminal activity.
The Decision
The parliament approved the government's proposal, meaning police will now have expanded powers to monitor and intervene when children under 15 are involved in serious criminal activity.
Does this affect you?
- Children under 15: They may be subject to secret surveillance or longer detention periods if suspected of involvement in serious criminal activity.
- Law enforcement: Police gain new, more powerful tools to investigate and prevent serious crimes involving children.
- Social services: They will work more closely with the police to receive children who have been detained by authorities.
In Practice
- Police can use secret surveillance methods to investigate serious crimes committed by children under 15.
- Preventive measures can be used to stop serious crimes before they are carried out by children.
- Police gain the authority to keep children in custody for longer periods for questioning or to facilitate a safe handover to social services or parents.