Experts attack police 'bribery' scheme

4:10pm Sunday 10th August 2008

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Sutton police may be championing a scheme giving schoolchildren Big Macs in exchange for good behaviour – but other experts aren’t lovin’ it.

Psychologists and health campaigners have criticised the Positive Citizen cards which allow well-behaved teens discounts at McDonald’s and Pizza Hut and clothes and record shops.

The scheme, introduced by Sutton police, made national headlines after the Sutton Guardian revealed how children around the town centre would lose their privileges if they were caught misbehaving.

Dr Roy Bailey, a consultant clinical psychologist, expressed worries that youngsters would need professional support once photo cards were withdrawn.

He said: “The idea of rewarding people for behaving positively has proved very effective in institutions such as hospitals, where the environment can be controlled.

“There is a possibly cynical view here that the children will use tokens to get stuff they want, staying near enough to the line so they don’t lose privileges.

“To institute an actual change in behaviour patterns you would need a mentor, possibly a clinical psychologist, to help children evaluate what has happened.”

Others were more concerned about offers of cheap fast-food when evidence shows a bad diet can make children misbehave.

Linda Voss, from the EarlyBird Diabetes Trust, said: “It’s difficult enough to wean children off junk food.

“While I can’t imagine a voucher for a fruit and veg stall going down well, they could restrict it to clothes or records stores.”

Councillor Paul Scully, leader of the Tory group, said: “If bribing troublemakers with Big Macs and pizzas is the best we’ve got, we should all be worried.

“What about all the well behaved young people who are a credit to our area?

“The Conservative view is that doing the right thing should be rewarded.”

UKIP councillor David Pickles added: “Have the police in Sutton completely lost the plot?

“My daughters, aged 16 and 11, were brought up strictly to show consideration to others.

“Yet, whenever they would like an occasional meal in McDonald’s or a game of bowling, they will be paying full price, thereby being penalised for being good citizens.”

The senior police officer behind the Positive Citizen cards, told why he believes the scheme is a good way to engage with youngsters.

Chief Inspector Dave Gair, of Sutton Safer Partnership, dismissed claims that cheap fast-food was a “bribe” for troublemakers.

He said: “This, as you may know, is one of a number of schemes to try to engage young people, in support of Operation Blunt 2, aimed at taking knives off the street and preventing tragic murders in London.

“I certainly feel it’s unhelpful the scheme has not been portrayed in a good light and I think sometimes people, sitting in isolation, can snipe and put negative spins on whatever you try to do.”

Chief Insp Gair said other aspects of the scheme involved training young people in basic DIY skills and breaking down barriers.