Features
My Community, My Justice System
Kawsar Zaman
When the words "Criminal Justice System" are said, for many, it may conjure up an image of an establishment figure, well versed in the law, presiding over formal proceedings. The reality is far from it. The work of the Criminal Justice System (CJS) ranges from dealing with people at risk of offending to making sure that prisoners are treated with dignity and offering an alternative path to rehabilitation.
Mentors can influence and offer a positive perspective to individuals (often young people) who are struggling in the community.
Today, there are a rising number of Asians in prisons and those coming into contact with the CJS – particularly young Muslims. In March of this year, the BBC Asian Network's Report "Asians on Lockdown" highlighted the biggest rise in the UK's prison population to be British Muslims. Many of these people can be supported and need to be.
In most cases, the reasons behind custody and contact with the CJS stem from wider societal issues such as poverty, educational underachievement and a lack of positive role models to inspire and encourage. In those situations, ethical choices can be influenced by one's environment.
Mentors can influence and offer a positive perspective to individuals (often young people) who are struggling in the community. They are often volunteers who commit their own time and effort in making a difference to the lives of others. At the heart of the Criminal Justice System are ordinary men and women who work towards this.
There is no need to be an expert in the field of volunteering. As Vice-Chair of the Muslim Council of Britain's Youth Committee I have had frequent experiences of people not coming forward because of their perceived lack of knowledge in certain areas. Everyone has something to offer. For example, the experience that I bring to the table is that simply of a young Muslim living in wider society. I have a view of how issues affecting other young Muslims from politics to poverty might be addressed. I am involved because I want to air my opinions and contribute – with a simple interest and desire to make a difference.
Volunteering doesn't simply mean putting in 30 hours a week or weeks contributing to something – rather it can be something as simple as meeting a young person, mentoring them by giving them advice on career options and guidance or perhaps sitting on a board to help steer change from above. In my opinion, the Criminal Justice System works best when it represents the community it serves and speaks to people from all backgrounds and walks of life. It is time that people from all communities came forward especially those in Asian communities. We all have an important stake and a part to play in our criminal justice system and we can all make a difference. The Criminal Justice System is our system and it is imperative we contribute to it so that we can make an impact on our own way.
Young professionals who have never had experience in this area are often the best people who can influence, guide and inspire young people. Society depends upon its more fortunate members, to give back and make a difference that could really help change lives.
Personally, I'm not from the wealthiest of backgrounds and have had family members who have ended up in prison. And it could have easily happened to me. But the support I got specifically from mentors who helped guide and inspire me into university is what has had the most impact in my life – often the smallest contribution can make the biggest difference.
The Criminal Justice System serves our communities and is at the centre of our daily lives. Volunteering is just one important way of getting involved to respond to the needs of our communities.
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This year we have partnered with organisations that work closely with communities. We are grateful for their participation.
