5-02/180.05 - Definitions Related to the Juvenile Diversion Program



Diversion:  An intervention that redirects a response to law enforcement contact (e.g., providing an alternative to detention or citation) in order to prevent a juvenile’s involvement or increased involvement in the justice system and to better align the response to youth development and underlying needs.

Detention/Arrest:  The detaining of a youth by a peace officer which may include being taken into custody or restrained for a period of time in a manner authorized by law.

Youth/Juvenile:  A person under the age of 18 years.  

Citation:  A written order to appear before a magistrate or probation officer at a later date in lieu of being detained and delivered to juvenile authorities for a violation of law.

Booking:  The processing (e.g. fingerprinting, photographing, creation of criminal record identification number) of an arrest by a peace officer.