Fact Sheets
The fact sheets produced by Smart Justice for Young People are aimed at two groups. Some are targeted at young people, with the aim of informing them of their rights and providing simple explanations of the ways current laws may affect them. Other fact sheets are tailored to policymakers, media, researchers and those with a professional interest in Smart Justice for Young People.
All of the available fact sheets can be downloaded by clicking the links below.
Young people
The Victorian State Government is recruiting 940 transport Protective Services Officers (PSOs) over the next 3 years to provide safety on the rail network after dark.
PSOs started work on 22 February 2012 at Flinders Street and Southern Cross stations, working from 6pm to after the last train, 7 days a week. More PSOs will be starting work at Richmond, North Melbourne and Footscray stations soon.
PSOs are armed and have police-like powers, meaning they can arrest you, search you, move you on and ask you for your name and address when they are on duty at a train station.Young people use public transport frequently which means they are more likely than others to come into contact with PSOs.
It’s important to know your rights when dealing with PSOs. This fact sheet will explain what PSOs can and can’t do, and where you can go for more information or to get legal help.
It's important that young people respect the rules and laws that govern our streets, but it's also important that they receive respect in return.
By becoming familiar with their rights, as well as how and when to use them, young people can learn what is acceptable on the street and what is not.
This fact sheet contains information on:
- Young people’s rights when talking to police
- Young people’s rights when being searched by police
- Young people’s rights when being asked to ‘move on’ by police
A higher level of awareness and mutual respect between young people and police will ensure safer outcomes for communitites.
Being arrested can be an overwhelming experience, particularly for young people. It’s important that young people are aware of their rights and how best to respond in such a situation to avoid negative outcomes.
Key questions covered in this fact sheet include:
- When is someone under arrest?
- What happens if you refuse arrest?
- Do the police have a right to use force against you?
- What do you have to tell the police?
- Do the police have a right to take your fingerprints and photograph you?
This fact sheet also provides valuable advice on what to do if you feel that you have been mistreated in the process of arrest.
Everyone else
Minimum Mandatory Sentences for Young People
Minimum mandatory sentences have been proposed by the Victorian government with the aim of deterring individuals from crime. This will remove the court's discretion to consider the particular circumstances of the offender and may lead to disproportionate sentencing.
When it comes to sentencing, one size does not fit all, especially in the case of young people. Current laws provide special protections for young people due to their level of emotional and mental development. Furthermore, research shows there is a lower risk of re-offence associated with community-based orders as opposed to custodial sentences.
This fact sheet explains why adopting minimum mandatory sentencing in Victoria should be avoided and proposes a number of smarter alternatives.
