How To Conduct 6.1

Purpose of the Module- 6

This module introduces police trainers and participants to the professional role of police when responding to children in conflict with the law. It explains how police officers must act when a child is suspected, accused or arrested for an offence, in accordance with the Juvenile Justice System Act (JJSA), 2018, child protection principles and international standards.

Module Structure and Key Topics 

This module is delivered through one integrated learning session, combining discussion, recall of earlier concepts, expert input and guided reflection on common practices and challenges, and police responsibilities under juvenile justice framework.

Suggested Duration 

Total module time: 1–1.5 hours

Trainers may adjust timing depending on: participant level and training format.  

Trainer Preparation

Before the Module

✔ Review Module 6 in the Training Manual
✔ Familiarise yourself with the Juvenile Justice System Act (JJSA), 2018
✔ Reflect on common arrest, custody and investigation scenarios involving children
✔ Identify areas where police practice often conflicts with juvenile justice safeguards

Materials and Equipment

✔ Projector / screen
✔ Laptop with presentation and video files pre-loaded
✔ Flip chart / whiteboard
✔ Markers

Key Message for Trainers

• Children in conflict with the law require stronger safeguards, not harsher treatment.
• Juvenile justice is not about leniency, it is about lawful policing, protection and preventing re-offending.
• Professional policing is measured by how well children are treated from the very first point of contact.

6.1 Session Guidance: Who Is a Child in Conflict with the Law? 

Methodology and Learning Process

This session should be delivered as a reality-based discussion supported by simple data and clear legal positioning. The aim is to help participants understand how children actually enter the criminal justice system in Pakistan, why special treatment is required, and why police decisions at first contact matter most.

This session sets the foundation for all practical guidance that follows in Module 6.

Step 1: Recalling Earlier Foundations (Linking Back)

Trainer Action

Begin by recalling earlier modules:

“Earlier, we discussed who is legally a child, what child protection means, and why protection comes before punishment.”

Then add:

“We also discussed violence, abuse and exploitation  and how children can be victims, not just offenders.”

Trainer Transition

State clearly:

“Now, we focus on what happens when a child comes into contact with the police as a suspect or accused person  and how police responsibility changes in these situations.”

Step 2: Reality Check – How It Happens in Practice

Trainer Action

Ask participants 2–3 open questions:

• “In your experience, when and how do children usually get arrested?”
• “What types of offences are most common?”
• “What usually happens to these children after arrest?”

Trainer Notes

• Allow honest discussion.
• Do not correct or judge responses.
• Expect references to:
  • petty theft,
  • street-related offences,
  • fights,
  • pressure from adults,
  • long undertrial periods.

Step 3: Reality in Numbers – Understanding the Scale

Trainer Action (Projector Recommended)

Display one simple slide with high-level facts 

Trainer Explanation

Explain: “Available national and provincial data shows that thousands of children come into contact with police every year.”

Emphasise key trends:

• Most children in custody are undertrial prisoners (UTPs)
• Only a small proportion are eventually convicted
• Many children spend weeks or months in custody before release or diversion
• Detention often causes more harm than the offence itself

Trainer Reflection Question

Ask: “If most children are not convicted, what impact does arrest and detention still have on them?”

Let 1–2 responses come.

Step 4: Why Children Must Be Treated Differently (Conceptual Link)

Trainer Action

Ask participants: “Should children be treated the same way as adult offenders?”

Allow brief responses.

Trainer Conclusion

State clearly:

“Children are still developing. They are more vulnerable to fear, pressure and harm. The law therefore requires protection, separation and rehabilitation, not punishment.”

Link to earlier modules:

“This is fully consistent with child protection principles and international standards we discussed earlier.”

Closing Message for Session 6.1

• Children in conflict with the law are children first
• Most children are undertrial, not convicted
• Police decisions at first contact shape the child’s future
• Protection, separation and dignity are legal duties, not optional choices