NCJ Number
133581
Date Published
1991
Length
11 pages
Annotation
A 1990 survey gathered information from probation officers in detention centers and local prisons regarding the characteristics of just over two-thirds of the 15-and 16-year-old males placed in detention before a full court hearing.
Abstract
The data on the 374 juveniles was analyzed with respect to the youths' age, ethnic origin, type of court placing the youth in detention, offenses, reason for refusal of bail, and final disposition. Results showed considerable variations among local governments in the numbers of juveniles remanded into custody. Most of the youth were 16 years old, and just over half of those on remand in Feltham were white. Burglary was the most common offense followed by offenses related to violence or sex, robbery, vehicle theft, other theft, and other offenses. Bail was most often refused due to the risk of further offending, yet 133 youths had been granted bail prior to being detained. Results indicated the need for attention to the use of detention of juveniles by adult courts, the disproportionate detention of black juveniles, and geographic variations in detention decisions. Tables