The Australian Institute of Criminology has released two reports describing the experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with the criminal legal system (CLS):
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people described discrimination and feelings of being overpowered, disrespected and treated unfairly during their contact with the CLS. This affected them during contact with police, when attending court and during incarceration.
Most were young when they had their first contact with the CLS, which they described as negative and lacking understanding and cultural awareness. Their engagement with and belief in the system continued to be low.
There were limited opportunities (eg employment) and support (eg accommodation) for persons following contact with the CLS, which sometimes led back to crime and drug use. Those who had desisted identified occasions where the system had worked cohesively to support their needs.
Participants suggested that areas for improvement or change include cultural awareness among non-Indigenous CLS personnel, involvement of community and Elders in the CLS, reconnection with culture through prison or community-based programs, support for families of those in contact with the CLS and recognition of the right to self-determination.
Research Report: Stories that matter: Learning from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people's experiences of the criminal legal system
Trends & issues summary: Stories that matter: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people's experiences of the Western Australian criminal legal system
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