Survey on Juvenile Justice Issues Facing Law Enforcement

The International Association of Chiefs of Police, with support from the federal Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Provision, surveyed law enforcement around the country earlier this year about their challenges and training needs in juvenile matters.

The report, released in July 2011, asked agencies about the most important juvenile issues facing them today. They most frequently reported problems involving substance abuse; physical, sexual, and emotional abuse; repeat offending; bullying and cyber bullying; gangs; internet crimes with juveniles either as perpetrators or victims; running away; and school safety.

The report also found that a lack of funding and manpower were primarily responsible for agencies not receiving juvenile justice training. Over half of the responding agencies had their training budgets cut or eliminated completely in the last five years.

The report collects statistics, including on how agencies are structured, and comments from law enforcement officials around the country.