NCJ Number
229147
Date Published
May 2009
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This bulletin examines two factors that may have influenced the growth in juvenile remand in New South Wales (NSW).
Abstract
The first fact that may have influenced the growth in juvenile remand is a growth in the number of juveniles proceeded against by police for breach of bail. The second factor is a reform to the Bail Act 1978 (s.22A) in December 2007 restricting the number of applications for bail that can be made. Police activity in relation to breach of bail and the introduction of s.22A are both putting upward pressure on the juvenile remand population, the first by increasing the number of juveniles placed on remand, the second by increasing the average length of stay on remand. The initial increase in remand (from 2006) was a result of increased enforcement activity. The acceleration in remand after 2008 was due to the combined effects of enforcement and the introduction of s.22A. Among those juveniles who were remanded solely for not meeting bail conditions, the most common bail conditions breached were a failure to adhere to curfew conditions and not being in the company of a parent. No significant association was found between the growth in juvenile remand and the fall in property crime. These two factors were chosen as the subject of investigation because their influence is relatively easy to test. It should be noted, however, that a large number of changes have been made to the Bail Act 1978 since 1986, any or all of which could have influenced the proportion of juvenile defendants refused bail. Also examined is the question of whether the growth in remand has had any impact on crime. Tables, figures, notes, and appendix