One of the most overlooked issues facing young New Yorkers is mental health, which is especially an issue when it comes to police interrogations. Young people understand this, but too often do not have the needed voice when it comes to the line between manipulation and justice.
BronxConnect youth have spoken up to say “We demand change!”
If you pressure a young person during an interrogation their mental health will be affected in a negative way, this includes youth developing anxiety and trauma as a result of the experience.
According to a 2020 study done by NAMI, 70% of youth in the juvenile justice system have a diagnosable mental health condition. Fifty percent of all lifetime mental illness begins by age 14, and 75% by age 24. Meanwhile, 1 in 6 U.S. youth aged 6-17 experience a mental health disorder each year.
Mental health is not being addressed enough, many people have mental illnesses but not enough people are paying attention to it. Instead, people with mental health are being labeled as “crazy” or “criminals.” People suffering from mental health issues can be negatively influenced when it comes to decision making. Self-doubt and trauma are often seen in people who struggle with a mental health issue. Peer pressure in combination with the fear and other emotions youth feel from being in a police interrogation, can lead to false confessions. People with mental health issues are more likely to be taken advantage of.
Our justice system needs to provide more protections for youth with mental health issues. Requiring legal counsel is only the beginning steps. The youth interrogation bill (A.1963/S.1099) would help to better explain the interrogation process and rights before questioning. The level at which you understand your rights can alter your interrogation experience.
Adrianna Merced and Linda Smith are both youth participants at BronxConnect.
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