April 13, 2022

In the past year, between 87% and 88% of eligible juveniles who were considered first-time offenders were issued a civil citation or other alternative to arrest in Broward County instead of being arrested for minor misdemeanor offenses, Florida Department of Juvenile Justice statistics show.

“This is a record-setting success for Broward County. Thank you to all of our partners in the justice system, law enforcement and our Broward County community who have worked with us to make this possible,” said Broward State Attorney Harold F. Pryor. “This is a great example of what we can achieve when we come together to do the right thing. Our goal is to reach 100%.”

The average in Broward was 71 percent in the previous five financial years. The statewide average last year was 66 percent.

Details at:  https://public.tableau.com/app/profile/djjmark/viz/shared/NKH524QTN

Details at: https://public.tableau.com/app/profile/djjmark/viz/shared/R96SPYTW5  (Partial DJJ numbers for February 2022)

The memo of understanding on Juvenile Civil Citations signed by prosecutors, Broward County law enforcement and other community partners last year is yielding positive results. Officers first consider issuing a juvenile civil citation instead of arresting and prosecuting individuals who are 17 or under for minor, misdemeanor offenses. Eligible offenses include disorderly conduct, vandalism and petty larceny.

Thank you to all of our partners in the justice system, law enforcement, and the Broward County community who signed on to this initiative. Together, we have made it a priority to make sure that young people who commit minor offenses do not have those poor choices follow them for the rest of their lives.

Special thanks to the Broward Clerk of Courts, the Broward County Public Defender’s Office, the Children’s Service Council of Broward County, the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice, the Broward County Chiefs of Police Association, the Broward Sheriff’s Office, Coral Springs Police Department, Fort Lauderdale Police Department, Hillsboro Beach Police Department, Hollywood Police Department, Lauderhill Police Department, Lighthouse Point Police Department, Margate Police Department, Miramar Police Department, Pembroke Park Police Department, Pembroke Pines Police Department, Plantation Police Department, Sunrise Police Department and Wilton Manors Police Department.

Contact: Broward State Attorney’s Office
mediarelations@sao17.state.fl.us or 954-831-7910
https://browardsao.com