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A lawyer who works with at-risk youth believes
police need to clean up their act.
A review by government agencies shows
the number of youth held in police cells has almost trebled,
and this could put lives at risk.
Although still young,
youths are placed in holding cells for adults when they are arrested.
According to the recent review of youths in police custody,
the youths aren't being looked after properly while in the cells.
Criminal lawyer Nick Silich is immensely concerned about that.
According to police, they are looking to improve their processes
when dealing with Maori youth.
Police have started collating
regional youth criminal statistics.
The statistics state what the offence is,
how old the young person is
and whether or not they were intoxicated
at the time of the arrest.
Another goal is to improve the treatment of youth
in accordance to their human rights.
Raiha Johns, Te Karere.