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Memorandum on juvenile offenders

The following is a transcript of a document provided by the St. Petersburg Police Department regarding a new policy for handling juvenile offenders.

TO: All Personnel

FROM: Charles "Chuck" Harmon, Chief of Police

DATE: Aug. 5, 2005

SUBJECT: Interim Change to G.O. III-6, Juvenile Procedures

Effective immediately, General Order III-6 will be amended as follows:

III. OFFICER RESPONSIBILITIES WITH JUVENILE OFFENDERS

A. Children generally enjoy the same civil rights as adults and, therefore, their individual freedoms must not be restricted.

1. Taking children into custody must comply with the statutory requirements in section IV. A. of this order.

a. If a child under the age of eight (8) years is going to be taken into custody, for a criminal offense or a Baker Act, a sergeant shall be made aware of the circumstances, and assist in determining the proper disposition of the child prior to taking the child into custody.

b. If no parents, legal guardian, custodian or caregiver is immediately available and the child is displaying behavior in the officer's presence that would likely result in bodily injury to the child or another person, the child may be taken into custody as a dependent child, using the minimal force necessary. A sergeant will be notified as soon as practical and assist with the disposition of the child if the child is under the age of eight (8) years.

Charles "Chuck" Harmon

Chief of Police