Youthful Offenders, Community Policing Strategies for

Youthful offenders have a significant impact on a community’s social and economic well-being as well as the individual’s social, mental, and physical health. The term youthful offender typically refers to a person under the age of 18 years who has been accused of committing a crime and is being processed through the juvenile justice system or referred to some type of diversion program depending on the severity of the criminal act. Youthful offending can undeniably encompass a broad range of antisocial behaviors, criminal typologies, and motivations which can result in various criminal sanctions. The specific crimes committed by youthful offenders range from status offenses like truancy and underage drinking, to severe criminal offenses, such as aggravated assault, gun violence, and homicide.

Regardless of the type of ...