Policy Text
Policy
345Garden Grove Police Department
Policy Manual
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2022/05/24, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Garden Grove Police
DepartmentYouth Services Function - 1Youth Services Function
345.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
The department is committed to the development, perpetuation and utilization of programs
designed to prevent and control juvenile delinquency. All members of the department are
responsible for supporting and participating in the programs offered by and with the functions of the
Youth Services Unit. Problem-solving strategies will be implemented through positive programs
with youthful offenders.
345.2 POLICY
It will be our policy to ensure that the appropriate action is taken in all cases where juveniles come
to the attention of the department.
Due to the sensitivity of law enforcement responsibilities for youthful offenders and the effect
of our actions on their future, the Youth Services Unit and members of the department must
have a thorough knowledge of diversion programs and informal arrest procedures. They will
provide information and assistance in juvenile matters to members of the department, parents,
and members of the community.
345.3 PROCEDURE
The Youth Services Unit (YSU) will consist of two units:
(a)Juvenile Investigation
(b)School Resource Officer (SRO)
345.4 YOUTH SERVICES UNIT/INVESTIGATION RESPONSIBILITIES
Investigators assigned to the Youth Services Unit are responsible for the following types of
investigations:
(a)Incidents of criminal behavior where juveniles are listed as suspects or possible
suspects; except in the cases of homicide, rape, sexual/physical abuse, and auto theft.
(b)Follow-up investigation of missing and runaway juveniles in compliance with Section
11114 of the California Penal Code.
(c)Evaluation of every juvenile arrest by the department and selection of the appropriate
disposition.
(d)All incidents of graffiti, vandalism and bike reports.
(e)Activity occurring on school campuses and that is related to school activities.
In each incident, the juvenile's family background, prior police contact, and the severity of the
offense will be used as factors to determine if referral to a diversion program is applicable.
Garden Grove Police Department
Policy Manual
Youth Services Function
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2022/05/24, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Garden Grove Police
DepartmentYouth Services Function - 2345.5 YOUTH SERVICES UNIT PHILOSOPHY
The challenge to all those dealing with youth is to guide them through the difficult period of growing
up, protecting individual rights, instilling individual responsibility, and preventing when possible,
the development of a crime-oriented lifestyle. This is the role of balanced law enforcement and
should be the goal of all youth serving organizations.
To ensure a pragmatic approach to delinquency, there is a definite need for close interaction
between schools, law enforcement, and the community in order to implement problem-solving
strategies through positive programs that deal with delinquency and youth crime.
345.6 PRIMARY GOALS OF THE SCHOOL SPECIAL OFFICER
(a)To increase understanding, communication, and cooperation between the police and
schools
(b)To serve as a viable resource to school personnel and students in order to assist in
the prevention and control of delinquency by means of counseling or mentoring.
(c)To provide guidance on ethical issues in a classroom setting and to project an image of
trust and protection to the students and community by explaining the law enforcement
role in society.
(d)To assist school administrators in creating a safe and secure school environment in
order that the objectives of the educational program may be achieved
345.7 DEPARTMENT PERSONNEL RESPONSIBILITIES FOR JUVENILE OPERATIONS
It is the responsibility of all department personnel to be familiar with and adhere to the laws,
statutes, and department procedures governing the citing, arresting, and releasing of juveniles.
345.8 DEVELOPMENT AND REVISION OF JUVENILE PROCEDURES
The department is committed to a multi-disciplinary approach to handling juvenile crime.
Representatives from outside agencies such as probation, social services, and the district
attorney's office will be requested to provide comment regarding any policy or procedural changes
relating to juveniles.
345.9 EVALUATION OF JUVENILE PROGRAMS
At the end of each school year, the Youth Services Unit Supervisor will conduct a meeting involving
the Youth Services Unit investigators and School Resource Officers. The meeting will be for
the purpose of appraising and evaluating the past year's performance. A decision will be made
as to whether a specific program should continue as is, be modified, or be discontinued. All
recommendations will be submitted, in writing, to the Support Services Bureau Commander.