Posted by Lt. J. Collins on 3/20/2008, 4:09 pm, in reply to "Some points"
I would first like to say thank you for your comment and concern. I want to take this opportunity to address your concerns and to try and clarify the issues.
The City of Powder Springs nor any other municipality (or any other jurisdiction) has any control over Juvenile law or prosecution. This is completely handled by the Juvenile system which is run by state law. As Law Enforcement Officers, we do not have a “point system” for juveniles. As far as parental ramifications, that again is set by the Judicial Courts.
We are certainly open for any suggestions on programs that can be implemented to deter any juvenile from a life of crime, no matter what age. Again, we as law enforcement officials do not decide how a juvenile is tried in court. It is up to the District Attorney’s office to decide whether the crime committed by the juvenile is heinous enough to charge the juvenile as an adult.
I understand your concern about the patrolling of the neighborhoods. With spring and summer months approaching, we are working on a plan for more aggressive patrols in the neighborhoods. Please, if you see a curfew violation being committed, contact Cobb 911 so that an Officer can be dispatched.
The City of Powder Springs is currently in the process of reviewing city ordinances pertaining to Loitering from other jurisdictions. The U.S. Supreme court has ruled many city ordinances as unconstitutionally vague; therefore, we are conducting research with the City Attorney and District Attorney in order to have an ordinance that can be constitutionally enforced. State laws and Federal laws limit law enforcement officers to certain types of encounters. This limits our types of investigations unless there is an illegal act being committed.
I again thank you for your comments and hope that some of your questions have been answered. One of the classes in the Citizens Police Academy is Juvenile Law. Judge Poole with the Juvenile Courts is our guest speaker. I invite you to attend this class and any of the other classes. I hope that I have addressed your questions and your concerns. I offer you and any other citizen an open invitation to the Citizens Police Academy and to visit me here at the Police Department. Thank you again for your concerns. Please feel free to contact me at 770-943-1616.
Message Thread:
« Back to thread