NCJ Number
60196
Date Published
1978
Length
14 pages
Annotation
A WISCONSIN PROJECT TO HIRE AND USE YOUTH POLICE OFFICERS IN DEALING WITH JUVENILES ALREADY IN THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM IS EFFECTIVE FROM LAW ENFORCEMENT AND COMMUNITY SERVICE ASPECTS.
Abstract
THE PROJECT GOAL WAS TO HIRE A POLICE YOUTH OFFICER FOR THE MAZOMANIE POLICE DEPARTMENT AND THEN PROVIDE TRAINING IN INVESTIGATIVE AND REFERRAL PROCEDURES WITHIN THE JUVENILE COURT, THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE, AND THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES. THE PROJECT DEVELOPED TWO MAJOR CONCERNS: (1) A LAW ENFORCEMENT COMPONENT, WHICH CENTERS ON THE INVESTIGATION OF COMPLAINTS, APPREHENSION OF SUSPECTS, AND THE DISPOSITION OF CASES; AND (2) A COMMUNITY SERVICE PERSPECTIVE, WHICH SEEKS TO INFORM AND EDUCATE THE PUBLIC INCLUDING JUVENILES OF RESOURCES AVAILABLE. DURING THE FIRST YEAR OF OPERATION, THE PROJECT DIVERTED 77 PERCENT OF JUVENILES FROM COURT PROCESSING, BUT SINCE PRE-PROJECT FIGURES ARE NOT AVAILABLE, NO CONCLUSIONS CAN BE MADE REGARDING PROJECT SUCCESS. THE YOUTH OFFICER ASSIGNMENT TO KEEP CLOSE CONTACT WITH VARIOUS AGENCIES AND TO WORK FOR GOOD COMMUNITY INTERACTION WITH PARENTS, SCHOOLS, AND YOUTH IS PROGRESSING WELL, HOWEVER. A FOUNDATION FOR THE USE OF LOCAL AND COUNTY RESOURCES TO ASSIST YOUTH BOTH IN AND OUT OF TROUBLE HAS BEEN REALIZED. REFERRAL ARRANGEMENTS HAVE BEEN DEVELOPED. ATTACHMENTS TO THE GRANT REPORT INCLUDE COPIES OF REQUEST-FOR-SERVICE FORMS. (RFC)