NCJ Number
132778
Date Published
1985
Length
110 pages
Annotation
This report presents the preliminary results of a study on the implementation and effectiveness of an interagency approach in San Diego County to processing juvenile arrest cases in a consistent manner using graduated sanctions.
Abstract
The study involved case dispositions of arrests occurring between December 15, 1983 and March 15, 1984 that were based on juvenile disposition reports by police and probation officers. The study also incorporated a review of official statistics on arrests and case dispositions over the 5-year period from 1979 to 1983, an analysis of recidivism among a sample of juveniles arrested before and after the interagency approach to delinquency reduction was initiated, and surveys of juvenile justice personnel and community-based agency staff who served juvenile clients. Study findings indicated that police and probation officers generally followed interagency guidelines. The concept of graduated sanctions was generally employed, with youth arrested for more serious charges and youth having a prior offense history referred to juvenile court more frequently than other offenders. A comparison of dispositions before and after the interagency approach revealed an increase in the proportion of youth referred to police intervention/diversion programs and a decline in those counseled and released with no action taken. Reasons for deviating from the interagency guidelines included lack of familiarity with the Interagency Agreement and differing opinions about certain recommended dispositions. Appendixes provide further information on the juvenile court process, definitions of terms, data collection forms, and tabular data. 63 tables and 4 figures