Policing Vulnerable Children and Young People in the Caribbean: Considerations from a Trauma-Informed Perspective

Abstract

Addressing the diverse needs of people who interact with police requires informed consideration of vulnerability. This is facilitated through the evolution of policing protocols in response to the expanding knowledge base on vulnerable populations. This paper examines the innate vulnerability of children and young people in the Caribbean, highlighting the need for changes to policing practices to incorporate a trauma-informed framework. Fifteen young people from Trinidad and Tobago were interviewed about their experiences in interacting with police as suspects and victims. A thematic analysis revealed insights into the lived experiences and perceptions of at-risk youth in Trinidad and Tobago regarding police interactions. The findings highlight the importance of considering the impacts of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) within policing paradigms. This study augments regional scholarship on vulnerability in island contexts and offers recommendations for effectively navigating effective law enforcement with an understanding of the vulnerability of young people.