JCPC re-established to tackle growing youth crime problem

The Cabinet has backed the re-establishment of the Juvenile Crime Prevention Council (JCPC), paving the way for the appointment of a new commission.

The appointment of a new Youth Crime Prevention Commission has been confirmed by Justice Secretary Peter Graham.

Former Attorney General Terry Hagan was named chairman of the revived Youth Crime Prevention Commission, with Christina Iro and Edward Browne as members.

Graham said the appointment will be for a two-year term, beginning on Monday, August 12, 2024.

“As the JCPC has been dormant for the past 10 years or so, a lot of work needs to be done before the committee meets to consider any matters referred to it. The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) also needs to review its own processes,” Graham added.

Police have called for the reintroduction of juvenile boards to tackle the growing backlog of juvenile cases in the courts.

Cook Islands Police media and strategic adviser Trevor Pitt said last week the youth cases were very serious, with one dating back a year.

Pitt said they would not be making any further comment to the committee.

In January this year, the Cook Islands Police Service questioned why it had taken so long to set up the commission despite a number of cases pending before it, including one from July last year.

Youths aged 15 and under must submit an application to the JCPC for approval before charges can be filed.

As previously reported, the JCPC has not been active for more than a decade.

Last year, the department actively advocated for the public interest on behalf of its members.

It is understood that two members are appointed by the Minister of Justice and the chairman is appointed by the Attorney General.

In the previous version of the bill, the Ministry of Internal Police was responsible for appointing the members of the Joint Anti-Corruption Commission.