NCJ Number
206212
Date Published
2002
Length
11 pages
Annotation
This paper describes the police training program instituted by the Croatian Ministry of the Interior in 2000 to provide police officers with the specialized knowledge and skills to manage juvenile offenders and juvenile victims.
Abstract
The transition from socialism to democratic capitalism in Croatia since 1989 has created many social problems, including an increase in crime. Particularly, crime and violence committed by juveniles have increased. In forging an approach to juvenile justice, the Croatian Ministry of the Interior has been guided by the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Administration of Juvenile Justice (The Beijing Rules). Rule 16 states that juvenile justice services must be systematically developed and coordinated to improve and sustain the competence of personnel involved in these services. This requires specialized training in methods, approaches, and attitudes that enhance the effective management of juveniles. Croatian police officers who work with juveniles are required to undergo specialized training that will guide their interaction with juvenile offenders and juvenile victims. This training is based on research that informs the knowledge, techniques, and skills taught to the officers. The training recognizes that the way in which a juvenile is treated by the police will have a significant influence on that youth's impression of both the juvenile and adult legal systems. In the case of police interaction with juvenile victims, the context is often a case of child abuse. Croatian officers receive specialized training in the handling of such cases. This includes training in the type of leadership and communication skills required to work with victims, perpetrators, colleagues, the judiciary, social and health services, and nongovernmental organizations. 22 references