JUVENILE OFFENSES

UNDERAGE DRINKING

Virtually every year in the City of Blackfoot, young persons die as a result of alcohol consumption. Others are injured, some seriously. In the past these youngsters have died in automobile accidents, suicides, and from gunshot wounds. And in every case, they have died needlessly.

Alcoholic beverages in the hands of minors are dangerous and that is why the Blackfoot Police Department works to educate and inform young people about the dangers of underage drinking.

Persons who witness juveniles drinking alcohol should call the police at 785-1234 and report the location, number of children, and identities of the children if known. Officers on scene generally break up the party, screen departing "guests" to be sure none are intoxicated and a danger to themselves or others, and then file charges, where appropriate, on the hosts of the gathering. Remaining alcohol on the premises may be seized. Dangerously intoxicated or unruly person may end up in the detention center or jail.

In order to protect all age groups, the Blackfoot Police Department will accept information on persons or establishments making alcohol available to underage drinkers. At the same time, the department is continuing to work to encourage an atmosphere in the community where underage use of alcohol is a rare occurrence.

OFFENSES COMMONLY COMMITTED BY JUVENILES

1. Property crimes such as burglary, theft, and vandalism.

2. Assaults and harassment.

3. Alcohol violations and public intoxication.

4. Status offenses such as running away from home.

DETENTION OF JUVENILE OFFENDER

Police officers may hold juveniles under these circumstances:

1. The juvenile has committed an act which, if committed 
by an adult, would be a crime.

2. The juvenile is a runaway, which is a status offense.

3.  There is an issue of "protection" involving the juvenile.

Juvenile offenders are generally handled differently than adult offenders. Depending upon the specific circumstances, juvenile offenders can be issued a Juvenile Violation Report form and be released directly to their parents or legal guardian pending charges, or be taken to the police department for short-term detention, processing, and investigation.

In most cases, juvenile offenders will be released to their parents or legal guardian within two hours of the arrest. There will be circumstances, however, where more investigation is necessary, resulting in longer detention of the juvenile. In all cases, an attempt will be made to notify the parents or legal guardian that their child is in custody. The officer will explain the reasons why the action was taken. There will be instances where a juvenile is issued a summons for a municipal violation and immediately released. Juvenile offenders who are not released to their parents or legal guardian will generally be placed in a juvenile facility.