NCJ Number
158677
Journal
Law Enforcement Technology Volume: 22 Issue: 10 Dated: (October 1995) Pages: 30-32,34-36
Date Published
1995
Length
6 pages
Annotation
The growing youth population, the high rate of juvenile drug use, and the growing involvement of juveniles in violent crimes requires increasing attention from both law enforcement and society in general.
Abstract
A report released in September 1995 by the Department Justice estimates that if current trends continue, arrests of juveniles for violent crimes will more than double by the year 2010. Although no firm facts substantiate a correlation between drug use, juvenile delinquency, and crime, nearly everyone concludes that serious crime is related to drug abuse. Representatives of a variety of organizations also agree that law enforcement alone cannot solve the problem of drugs and juvenile delinquency. One asserts that law enforcement must become strong advocates for prevention. Close cooperation is also needed between schools and law enforcement officials; school resource officers can benefit this effort. The diversionary drug court is an example of a new program that is making a significant impact by sending first-time or nonviolent drug offenders to treatment with intensive supervision. Coalitions among organizations and more law enforcement emphasis on education, prevention, and community involvement are also needed. Photographs