Overview of the JJ System

1. Overview of the JJ System In-Depth View of Policing Juveniles

2. The Juvenile Justice System • Really a “system?” • Some argue that the CJS is not really a system • The JJS is in some respects a series of “add-ons” to the criminal justice system

3. The Legislature • Establishes jurisdiction • At what age is an adolescent no longer a “juvenile?” • For what crimes might a 15 year old be “waived” to adult court? • Local legislators pass “ordinances” • Loitering • Curfews

4. The Cops • For juveniles—city cops and sheriffs • Feds typically turn over juveniles to local authorities • Police as the gatekeepers of CJS and JJS • Primary source of juvenile court referrals • Discretion is key research and policy issue • Police determine proper jurisdiction

5. Juvenile Intake • The Link between the police and the juvenile court • No real CJS counterpart • An “intake officer” screens cases • Like police, they have a great deal of discretion—they can “Divert” cases! • Intake hearing may be formal or informal • Some are similar to adult “PSI”

6. Prosecutors of Juveniles • Typically get the most “serious” cases • Broad discretion in how they dispose of cases • Important decision: • File petition or act on petition filed by police • But, cases can go to court without petition

7. Judge/Adjudication • Most proceedings now fairly formal • Adversarial process • Judge hears both sides and makes decision • Should youth be adjudicated “delinquent” • Are youths in “need of supervision” • Dispositions for adjudicated youth • Nominal • Conditional • Custodial

8. Juvenile Corrections • Range of “sanctions” or “dispositions” similar to adult corrections • State “industrial schools” as prisons • Smaller, “non-secure” placements • Range of intermediate sanctions • Juvenile Probation

9. The Police and Juveniles • Da do do do, da da da da, that’s all I’ve got to say to you…. • History • First police departments = 1830s-1840s • First attempts to formally deal with juveniles? • Policewomen hired to work with delinquents and runaways (early 1900s) • Police Athletic League launched in the 1920s • In mid 1920s, August Vollmer forms first “youth bureau”—spread rapidly in the 1930s

10. Current Specialization • Juvenile Officers • Juvenile Units • Gang Control Units

11. Police Culture and Juveniles • No status in working with juveniles • No celebrated “arrests” (not a “real” arrest) • How are police rewarded? • Often warned and released by courts • “Kiddie Court” • Due Process measures have made job more difficult

12. Police Discretion • What are the range of options available to Police? • What factors constrain discretion? • What extra-legal factors drive police decision making?

13. Attitudes of Juveniles Towards the Police • Who is likely to have “issues” with the men in blue? • Males • Minorities (esp. A.A.) • Older Juveniles • Members of the lower class • Where do these attitudes come from? • Experience with police vs. Culture/Environment

14. Police and Procedural Law • State v. Lowery (1967) • Exclusionary rule • New Jersey vs. T.L.O. (1985) • School searches

15. Other Police Related Controversies • Should Juvenile Records be “Sealed” or “expunged?” • Should juveniles be: • Fingerprinted • Photographed

16. Community Policing • Direct engagement with residents • Proactive crime prevention • Decentralized operations (familiar with neighborhood) • Citizens as partners • “Problem Oriented Policing”