Susan M. Malbrough
South University
Officers Working With Juveniles
In the case of John, whose seventeen years old, robbed a liquor store; and the store 's owner was shot and died during the robbery, I would file a formal petition. The reason I would file a petition for the robbery case is because it would need judiciary review immediately because of the seriousness of the crime and the age of the juvenile. The judge would determine whether to try it in juvenile court or send it to adult court.
In the case of Heather, who 's sixteen years old, spray painting gang related stuff on an under pass, I would handle it informally. I would handle it this way due to the severity of the crime, age, appropriate …show more content…
A child who is respectful and shows remorse is more likely to be lectured or a minor punishment instead of having to go to court. Another factor is usually a child’s criminal and social history. There are many other effective strategies that officers can use such as asking questions and giving a warning which could be used in cases of a possibility of a minor offense. The next strategy is station adjustment which is when officers take children to the jail and document possible offenses and give a formal warning. Then you have diversion center referring which is when an officers takes the child to a service agency for juveniles or mental health to get help from counselors and social workers. Officers can give a citation and refer to juvenile court, a probation officer makes a court date and lets the parents know, intake officer decides to file a formal delinquency petition or not, and sometimes the prosecutor decides. Another option is placing the child in a detention facility or home and again a court dates set and decision is made about the petition but this is the last resort. It usually only happens when there 's abuse involved or violence. Using alternatives is not only beneficial to the child, it helps the entire county especially the justice system. It gives a better chance at rehabilitation, change, positive outcomes, and less crowding and unnecessary court …show more content…
Some of the reasons are not having a loving structures home, gaining property or necessities, protection, divorce, not having a father or mother, needing support, attention seeking, and/or being neglected and abused. These are all very good reasons to keep letting officers have discretionary powers! When the community works together as a whole an awesomely well rounded child will be the