Report of the Juvenile Delinquency Committee — John Stuart Mill — John Shaqi
Report of the Juvenile Delinquency Committee
John Stuart Mill · en
"Women recruits are instructed by a pathologist in matters
pertaining to pregnancy, abortion, and the identification of
abortion instruments and drugs. They receive instruction in
maternity hospitals, with special reference to the unmarried
mother. Children's homes, orphanages, and also homes for the aged
are visited and studied with a view to creating a solid background
for the policewomen's work.
"With the co-operation of the Justice Department women trainees
visit prisons and borstal institutions. They also attend and study
procedure at Magistrates' and Supreme Courts. The workings of the
probation service and Child Welfare Department are also the subject
of visits and study.
"The training course of five weeks is shorter than that for men,
but women recruits appear to absorb instruction more quickly and
less time is devoted to physical training.
"B. _Suggestions Relative to Training_
"It is felt the present training syllabus coupled with the
practical experience which rapidly follows is adequate and that
each policewoman is capable of dealing with the problem of the girl
who has been involved in sexual offences.
"C. _Further Comments_
"The Police Department appreciates that if increased numerically
and used more generally policewomen may be a great factor in the
prevention of juvenile delinquency, provided that through their
frequent association with children, both in the company of their
parents and at all grades of school, they become accepted by these
young persons from infancy. The help and guidance of women police
could be sought on grounds similar to those of the school dental
nurse who in her particular sphere is banishing the fear of dental
treatment. It is felt a similar approach to the child's moral
welfare is worthy of consideration."
It is a fact that within recent weeks steps have been taken by the
Government to establish and operate an improved system of training for
recruits for the Police Force. We had no information before us as to
the nature of the course or the length of the training period: nor do
we know whether a specific course of training will be prescribed for
women recruits. We feel, however, that it is a fair assumption that a
sounder, more thorough, and more systematic system is about to be put
into operation. We feel, too, that with the increased emphasis about to
be laid upon training, it can safely be taken for granted that every
effort has been, and will continue to be, made to give effect to the
suggestions of the Mazengarb Committee.
(_b_) Department of Internal Affairs
It was a recommendation of the Mazengarb Committee that steps should be
taken to gazette the outstanding regulations authorized under the
relevant film censorship Acts of 1934 and 1953.
A report received from the Department of Internal Affairs contains the
information set out below: