11:32am Saturday 11th October 2008
By Alita Howe
The police Youth Organisations in Uniform scheme has been launched across London following its success in Croydon despite being snubbed by Met Commissioner Sir Ian Blair.
The YOU scheme was given its London launch at the Whitgift Centre at 1pm but Sir Ian wasn't there, despite telling organisers he would be.
The scheme had earlier been criticised after the Croydon Guardian revealed part of the plan was to offer youths who find themselves on the wrong side of the law an opportunity to sign up to a uniformed youth group such as the scouts, boys’ brigade, girl guides or army cadets for three months to escape a caution.
The project is being rolled out by Croydon Police Sergeant Richard Curran who told the Croydon Guardian previously, “If they agree a timetable of action kids can avoid a final warning. But only if they agree to a programme of activities.
“It provides a long-term solution to the problems these kids have and changes their attitudes.”
Sir Ian resigned on October 2 but is remaining in the post until a successor can be found.
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