The Juvenile Justice System as a Major Concern of Law Enforcement

The Society and Juvenile Justice System

The society we live in today has many challenges, and the juvenile justice system is a major concern for law enforcement. Are juveniles too young and underdeveloped physically and mentally to be sentenced to death for the murders they commit? Or do they really know what thoughts are going through their heads and the consequences of the actions they take regarding those thoughts? Could it be the genes they were born with that made them commit the crimes, or was it that they grew up in poverty or a bad community and had no other choice but to become criminals?

The Juvenile Justice System as a Major Concern of Law Enforcement

There are no excuses for being a criminal when many chances were given to correct oneself. Unfortunately, not many chances are given out to juveniles, which significantly affects them in the long run for the worse. One of the largest concerns for all law enforcement personnel should be the juvenile justice system. Children are the future of America, and if they can be reached before taking the wrong road, the potential for changing the level of violence in this country could be substantial. Early intervention for a juvenile offender who can be rehabilitated can minimize the number of offenders who go on to break the law as adults. It is important that juveniles who have entered the justice system have all possible opportunities to overcome the obstacles they have faced, and police officers are key to this effort.

Cops are often the first individuals a juvenile will come into contact with after an offense caused by them, a relative, or even as a victim. Police dealing with the nation's children and youth, often in extraordinary situations—domestic violence, child abuse, and neglect, as witnesses to community violence, as victims, and as perpetrators—do not receive the training needed to assist the youth with whom they work (Dacchille & Thurau, 2013). If patrol officers received proper training and understood the importance of early intervention, then who knows how many lives could be positively affected. Citizens should likewise get involved and help law enforcement; it should truly be a community-wide effort. As stated in Psalms 27:11, "Teach me your way, O Lord, and lead me on a level path because of my enemies." Law enforcement officials have the chance to set an example through their actions and lead the youth of America positively. It is imperative for law enforcement to become active and stay active in their communities. Law enforcement that can reach children at an early age can have a major impact.

Community Policing: Bridging the Gap

An incredible way for law enforcement centers to become more intertwined with the youth of a community is through community policing. According to Detective Thomas Morrissey, New Haven’s community youth coordinator, a community policing program must have a committed chairman and police chief, as well as an experienced, trusted, and well-respected police officer who knows the neighborhood and thoroughly understands the community policing rationale and process (Jenkins, 1995). Through community policing, the juveniles within the patrolled area can not only see the officers but benefit from hands-on interaction with them as well. This could lead a juvenile offender or potential offender down a better and brighter path. Law enforcement centers can also create special events that draw the attention of juveniles residing in problematic areas. For example, law enforcement officers can involve juveniles in sporting events where they can guide the youth. There are no limits to what can be accomplished if the community and the authorities all work together for the greater good.

Targeted Efforts and Positive Interactions

There are numerous factors to consider when deciding where an officer should patrol and attempt to make an impact. Those most in need are described as “disproportionately children and youth of color who currently have, or have experienced, a host of risk factors that are associated with poor academic achievement, delinquency, recidivism, substance abuse, and mental health issues” (Leone & Weinberg, 2010). Officers who respond to a call where there's a child on the scene may utilize that opportunity, if possible, to create a positive impact. Another critical way to make contact is to drive through the neighborhoods for which an officer is responsible and attempt to establish favorable contact with these juveniles early in their lives. Early intervention is possible when police officers work in collaboration with an effective social support system, making real crime reductions attainable each time a young offender is diverted from a life of crime (Lemmer & Johnston, 2004). It is never too late to start taking actions to become a part of the communities in which at-risk juveniles live. Even small steps, such as getting out of the patrol car where there's a group of children or getting involved in the school system, can make a significant difference. There's substantial evidence that certain early-intervention programs show reductions not only in offending but in a range of risky behaviors (Doob, Sprott, & Webster, 2010).

Maintaining Positive Relationships

When early intervention isn't possible and a juvenile offender's first encounter with law enforcement occurs during an incident or arrest, there are still ways to maintain a positive interaction. “Juveniles report direct and vicarious peer experiences with the police that are coercive, highly negative, and arguably discriminatory, and such encounters are correlated with juveniles holding less favorable or supportive views of police [than adults do]” (Brown, Novak, & Frank, 2009, p. 201). Although juveniles may be more argumentative and even disrespectful, an officer’s response to them can make all the difference. If an officer does not respond negatively to the juvenile, then perhaps that youth can more clearly see the error of their ways. Children tend to mimic the behaviors of those around them, such as a parent or older sibling, but that does not mean they cannot learn new behaviors. Matthew 7:12 speaks of doing to others as you want others to do to you. Police officers should keep this in mind and treat children the way they would want their children treated when dealing with juveniles.

Post-Justice System Involvement

After a juvenile has entered the justice system, officers can still have a positive impact on youth and influence the path they choose to take. This may require more patience, time, and resources; however, the potential of saving a juvenile from following the path they are currently on is considerable. In the end, it is up to each office, individual officer, and the community to ensure that juveniles have the interaction needed to form a much-needed positive bond. The department must implement a specific protocol for the interaction required between an officer and the adolescents in their jurisdiction. The officer must then follow through and find opportunities to become genuinely involved with the youth. The community can support the department and individual officers by opening their doors and welcoming law enforcement in. Children often respond to situations based on how they have seen the adults in their lives behave. As an officer of the law, it is crucial to form and maintain a good relationship for the benefit of the citizens, both young and old, within the area.

Conclusion

In conclusion, whether a juvenile has already offended or is on the path toward wrongdoing, it is not too late. Law enforcement, working together with the community they serve, can achieve anything and potentially change the course of crime rates in the area while having a major impact on the youth of the region. The earlier the impact law enforcement has in a child’s life, the greater the opportunity for future endeavors of the law enforcement community. Proverbs 22:6 says that we are to raise our children in the way they should go, and when they are older, they will not depart from it. This is particularly important not only for parents but also for law enforcement to keep in mind. The way the youth learn the ways of the world now is the way future generations will learn; small steps can lead to major changes.