Leroy Logan MBE, anti-racist campaigner, former Met superintendent, and a founding member of the Black Police Association, has been appointed as Chair of Transition to Adulthood (T2A).
Transition to Adulthood (T2A) is a Barrow Cadbury Trust programme advocating for a criminal justice system that takes a distinct approach to policy and practice for young adults (18-25 year olds). The criminal justice system regards all 18 year olds as adults. T2A believes it’s not as simple as this. Our evidence and research/work, as well as that from other government organisations and academic institutions, and discussions with criminal justice practitioners, show that between 18 and 25 the brain is still developing. This can show itself as irresponsible and unpredictable behaviour leading to criminal justice interventions. T2A is working with sentencers, practitioners/CJ professionals and policy makers to make sure this evidence is taken into account when decisions are made.
The prison population is made up of a disproportionate number of young adults. At the last census they made up 9.4% of the general population but 16% of the prison population, 23% of those on the most basic regime, as well as young adults making up over 30% of police cases.
On taking up the role Leroy Logan said:
“The causes of crime have always been overlooked by a ‘tough on crime’ approach. I believe my new role with T2A is a way of highlighting the challenges young people face that may lead them to offend and/or repeat offend, as well as take these factors into consideration when the courts sentence an individual. I look forward to working with everyone on the team and our partners”.
Welcoming him as Chair of the campaign, Sara Llewellin, CEO of Barrow Cadbury Trust said: “When Leroy Logan said he would take up the role of chair we were absolutely delighted to have someone so committed to reforming the criminal justice system and challenging inequality, particularly racism. His 30 years’ experience in the Met Police advancing policing (recognised by an MBE in 2000), and his work on the Stephen Lawrence Inquiry will help to drive the T2A campaign to the next level, increasing traction and profile. We are very much looking forward to working with Leroy and his team to accelerate change for young adults in the CJS”.