1. Policing and the youth question : against managerialism -- 2. Communicative action, democracy and social research -- 3. The uses and meanings of public space : belongings, identity and safety -- 4. Policing public space : the over-control and under-protection of youth -- 5. Transitions in trouble : fragmentation, inclusion and maginalisation -- 6. Talking blues : youth, the police and prospects for communication -- 7. Towards discursive policing