BBC Documentaries

Beyond The Frontline (2019x189)

Date de diffusion: Août 28, 2019

Charlotte Callen investigates an innovative scheme developed by Avon and Somerset Police that uses mentoring and education to help young drug dealers break out of a life of crime. The project, called "The Call In" offers young drug dealers an opportunity to go on a six month intervention course rather than face prosecution, with the aim of preparing them for a crime-free life as productive members of society. Using the experiences of reformed criminals like Clinton Wilson, who was the head of one of Britain's most renowned gangs of drug dealers, The Aggi Crew, The Call In is designed to stop the "revolving door" cycle of crime, where young criminals are released from prison only to commit further offences because they are unprepared for life in the outside world. Clinton lost 12 years of his life to jail, and his message is clear - "it's not worth it." We hear the story of The Aggi Crew, who progressed from violent street robbery to multi-million pound drug deals, resulting in guns being carried on the streets of Bristol - by the gang and the police. Avon and Somerset Police recognise that this scheme is risky, but believe that young people who may have made one bad decision shouldn't be punished for the rest of their lives.