MISSION

The Inglewood Police Department’s Juvenile Section is responsible for the safety and welfare of all juveniles, regardless of whether they’re the victim or suspect of a crime.  The Juvenile Section concentrates on the protection of all juveniles, the prevention of juvenile delinquents and the handling of juvenile offenders when necessary through education, intervention and enforcement.

The Police Department recognizes the importance of criminal prosecution, especially involving violent crimes, but it also believes that discretion should be used when handling first or second time juvenile offenders.  Equally as important to criminal prosecution are resources that provide alternatives that are designed to minimize chances of first time offenders becoming repeat offenders, who then continue to commit crimes as adults.

OBJECTIVES

The Inglewood Police Department is committed to the development and perpetuation of internal and external programs designed to protect juveniles, and prevent and control juvenile delinquency.  It’s the Department’s philosophy that through the cooperative efforts of the community and law enforcement, crime and violence committed by and against juveniles can be minimized or prevented.

The Police Department intends to seek out community-based alternatives to incarceration such as education, counseling referral services and intervention programs, which are designed to work within an entire family unit. Included in this are youth initiated outreach programs designed to assist youth who otherwise might not be reached by more traditional youth assistance programs.  Programs that provide collaboration of the local systems, including law enforcement, courts, schools, child protective services and the mental health agencies, are the optimum approach.  

RESPONSIBILITIES

The Juvenile Section is a function of the Detective Bureau.  Presently, a police detective and a sergeant are responsible for the Section’s daily operations.  The Juvenile Section is responsible for investigating the following:

1.  Welfare and Institution Codes violations

a.     Lack of Parental Care

b.     Destitute

c.     Physically Dangerous to the Public

d.     Unfit Home

2.  Juvenile Criminal Detained/Released Petitions Processing

3.  Juvenile Counseling and Counseling Referrals Services

4.  Youth Outreach Programs and Services

5.  Police and Youth Dialogue Sessions

6.  Citizen/Family FAQ

7.  Selected Juvenile Misdemeanor/Felony Criminal Investigations

REFERRAL SERVICES