Patterns of alleged offending amongst Aboriginal and <scp>non‐Aboriginal</scp> young people in the Northern Territory of Australia, 1997–2019

In Australia, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are much more likely to be arrested, charged with criminal offences imprisoned than other Australians. Islanders comprise 49% of young people in detention but only 5.8% the Australian population aged 10–17. This study investigated changes between 1997 2019 interaction non-Aboriginal justice system Northern Territory (NT) Australia. The prevalence being an alleged offence decreased by 60% 1999 2001, co-incident introduction Juvenile Diversion Scheme August 2000. Thereafter, for there was a small temporary increase, increased almost back pre-2000 levels 2015 before starting decrease. comprised 57% those any 1997, rising 88% 2019. Further investigation is needed understand reasons divergent trends offending people, which may include role diversion, differences nature systemic bias racism.