NCJ Number
77933
Journal
Police Product News Volume: 5 Issue: 7 Dated: (July 1981) Pages: 26-29,32-33
Date Published
1981
Length
6 pages
Annotation
A former youth gang leader who served as a juvenile judge discusses juvenile court dispositions, police training, and police relations with juveniles.
Abstract
Juvenile courts often fail to take action that will indicate to juveniles that offenses against persons and property bring painful consequences. Responsibility for one's behavior can only be accepted within a structure that provides consistent benefits and punishments for acceptable and unacceptable behavior. Punitive dispositions by the juvenile court, however, should not involve incarceration in large institutions where deviant behavior is reinforced by the resident subculture. Smaller resident units should be constructed to facilitate more personalized programs. Job training and placement should also be central aspects of any treatment program. Police relations with juveniles can be improved by hiring minority personnel who can relate to juveniles in ghetto areas. Further, police should receive training in human relations and the practical applications of psychology in dealing with problem youth. Police relations with juveniles in the community should be firm and instructive without becoming harassing and unjust. Further, police effectiveness from a departmental perspective should not be measured by number of arrests. Often an officer can accomplish more in the area of social control by a wise use of discretion in not making a arrest. For part 1 of this interview, see NCJ 81955.