NCJ Number
200339
Date Published
April 1999
Length
70 pages
Annotation
This document discusses police procedures regarding juveniles in the State of Illinois.
Abstract
Juvenile police officers must have an understanding of Balanced and Restorative Justice, which holds offending individuals accountable for their action, and includes intervention and prevention for those individuals that are “at risk.” The goals of the juvenile justice system are to protect the community, impose accountability for violations of law, and equip juvenile offenders with competencies to live responsibly and productively. To accomplish these goals, policies are designed to promote the development and implementation of community-based programs to prevent delinquency; provide secure confinement for minors; and include the minor’s family in the case management plan. The records of law enforcement officers concerning all minors under 17 years of age must be maintained separate from the records of adults and may not be open to public inspection except by order of the court. When juveniles reach the age of 17 or whenever all juvenile court proceedings relating to that person have been terminated, the person may petition the court to expunge law enforcement records. The juvenile police officer is responsible for ensuring the rights and welfare of minors while preserving law and order. Admission of guilt must be obtained before any discussion with minor, parents, guardians, or legal custodian of the formal station adjustment. A formal station adjustment is a procedure where a juvenile police officer determines that there is probable cause to believe the minor has committed an offense and an admission by the minor of involvement in the offense. Police procedures are described for neglected, abused, or dependent minors; minors requiring authoritative intervention; and delinquent minors.