3-01/110.05 - Juvenile Matters



Members shall report any matter coming to their attention in which a juvenile is delinquent, the victim of neglect or an offense.

When handling juvenile cases, members shall remember that prevention of delinquent conduct is the goal to be achieved.  All feasible steps shall be taken to properly adjust or refer juvenile cases to the proper social agency before court action is taken.

Juveniles alleged as delinquent shall be referred to as subjects or, in dependency matters, as victims.  It is of utmost importance that attitude, demeanor and speech toward juveniles be civil and respectful but, at the same time, firm.

Members shall advise and assist other agencies engaged in programs involving juveniles.  However, such participation shall not extend beyond the point at which it might hamper the Department's effectiveness as a law enforcement agency.