Critical Encounters
Young people and the police
Creative research, dialogue and community action
Critical Encounters
Manage conflict and reduce violence
For young people 16-24 yrs
Critical Encounters brings young people and local police officers together in a safe space where they can meet,
talk, reflect and learn from each other's experiences.
Second Wave's work with local police officers began in 2003.
The programme developed in response to concerns raised by young people about policing,
including the use of Stop and Search powers.
Critical Encounters aims to bring young participants and local police officers together with a sense of shared purpose.
Through creative activities, dialogue and role play, participants can explore different perspectives and develop a
greater understanding of each other's experiences.
Young people are always at the heart of the approach.
Take part in workshops with police officers where young people set the agenda.
Use your creative skills to manage conflict.
Sharpen your critical skills, learn your rights and support young people in the community.
Starting From Here
Introduction to Critical Encounters
Second Wave is based in Deptford, a culturally diverse and vibrant community in SE London, where 130 different languages are spoken. However, local people face many challenges, including socio-economic disadvantages, high levels of poverty, and a lack of training and employment opportunities.
Over the years, relationships between the police and the community have not always been easy, and officers still encounter low levels of trust. In Lewisham, Metropolitan police officers work closely with the local authority in their efforts to build safer and more resilient communities. Our Community of Practice model has been developed in partnership with the University of Greenwich. This model creates a safe space for young people and police participants to share, reflect and learn from each other’s experience.
Second Wave continues to play an active role in raising awareness of the criminal exploitation of vulnerable people – both in-person and online, and our youth arts centre provides a safe space where young people can be supported.
A Sense of Community
Fear of Crime
Perceptions of local criminal activity - including, for example, incidents of street crime - intensify the fears and anxieties of local people. These fears are often compounded by critical incidents where there may be violence and increased levels of organised crime.
A reassuring factor for local people is the active presence of police officers in neighbourhood settings.
Children and young people are frequently the victims of crime but are often reluctant to report these experiences - finding it difficult to know who to trust.
Critical Encounters Programme
Second Wave’s work with local police officers began in 2003. At that time, the extensive use of ‘Stop and Search’ powers was highlighted as racially disproportionate by young people in our area and in the media. Young people, particularly those in marginalised communities, felt over-policed and under-protected. Their efforts to express these concerns went unheard, leaving young people feeling isolated and vulnerable.
Critical Encounters aimed to bring young participants and local police officers together with a sense of shared purpose to build trust. Then, as now, we have offered a safe place in the community, where local people and police officers can meet on a regular basis. These efforts are designed to strengthen the safety, resilience and social cohesion of our communities in Deptford and SE London.
Participants share their own distinctive knowledge and expertise, including their creative and critical skills. Our approach is participatory and inclusive of young people, older people, police officers, community leaders, academics, professionals and residents.
We make every effort to support the professional development of police officers – and young people are always at the heart of this approach. Our Community of Practice model aims to build a collective sense of responsibility.
Youth voices
Young people drive the process.
Throughout the history of Critical Encounters, young people have driven the process — giving their time, creative insights and willingness to build trust.
“Why are we so different...?”
You were riding around on your bike in your teens,
while I was locked in a room with a phone—
yearning for freedom
without even knowing what freedom means.
You grew up outside
with the kids from your neighbourhood.
I grew up inside
because you said the kids outside
“weren’t up to any good.”
And still,
I don’t know why we are so different.
“Because I wanted to ride bikes and make some friends too
I wanted to be outside till the day ends
but you, you didn’t trust me.
Or maybe, you didn’t trust you.”
So tell me —
why are we so different?
By Adnan Dahir
Volunteer at Second Wave
Get involved
Creative research opportunities for young people aged 16–24.
Explore how young people's perspectives and creative approaches can contribute to
improving policing and community safety across Europe.
You can get involved in workshops, creative research and activities that bring young people
together with police and other community participants.
It's an opportunity to develop your creative and critical skills while contributing to
conversations about trust, safety and communities.
All young people aged 16–24 are welcome.
Programme Dates
🟢 OPEN DAY · Thursday 22 October
An opportunity to find out more about Critical Encounters and get involved.
Saturday 24 October · 3–5pm
A session for young people aged 14–19.
🟢 OPEN DAY · Thursday 29 October
Find out more and explore opportunities to get involved.
Thursday 19 November
For young people aged 16–24.
Thursday 26 November
For young people aged 16–24.
Thursday 3 December
For young people aged 16–24.
Our Centre
Where is Second Wave?
In the heart of Deptford!
Walk all the way down Deptford High Street (towards Greenwich side) until you reach Creek Road. There, you will find the big red brick Methodist Mission Building on 1 Creek Road.
Cross the road and when you reach the green doors, ring the Intercom buzzer for Second Wave. Our friendly team will buzz you up! Want helpful directions? Let Wavers be your guide in this 🎥...
Our address 📍
1st Floor. Deptford Mission Building.
1 Creek Road. Deptford. SE8 3BT
Nearest buses 🚌
Deptford High Street Stop
188, 199, or 47 (1-minute walk)
53, 453, 177, or 225 bus (6-minute walk)
Nearest station 🚊
Deptford Station (5-minute walk)
Deptford Bridge DLR (15-minute walk)
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