Public Safety

[Zephyr]

In my hometown, we have this section of the paper called Public Safety. In it, they report all citations and infractions etc. for the general public to see. Even minors.

So my question is, Is it okay to report juveniles' activity to the public or not?

[Sage]

Repeat offenders I would have no problem against. They should know better. If something just slips one time, however, I do not think that calls for public humiliation.

[INFERNO]

If it was a serious offense, such as murder, rape, etc..., then I believe that may be if they were arrested and charges were pressed, and they went off to juvienille prison. Crimes such as petty theft, disturbing the peace, etc... I don't think is necessary even if they went to juvienille prison because they are more common and they're not a major threat to the citizens' well-being.

I say may because I'm unsure on disclosing names of minors. If anything, they could report the crime, possibly victim(s) involved (not mention if a minor unless the parent/guardian allows it) and not mention the name of the guilty party (unless the parent/guardian allows it). If it is allowed, then go ahead. If not, then I'm not as comfortable with that.

If it's a repeated offender, then I may be more willing to disclose their names.

[rubidoux]

Yeah. Kids get away with way too much shit IMO.

[Bougainvillea]

Well, that's kind of personal. I wouldn't want everyone in town knowing I did something wrong.

[rubidoux]

Well, that's kind of personal. I wouldn't want everyone in town knowing I did something wrong.

Then maybe you shouldn't have done it in the first place? Teens' biggest fear is being embarrassed, so maybe the threat of humiliation could discourage the acts in the first place.

[Bougainvillea]

Yes. But those documents are for you, your parents, and the local authorities. No one else. We all make mistakes, but that shouldn't mean someone should post it for all to see

[Sage]

Yes. But those documents are for you, your parents, and the local authorities. No one else. We all make mistakes, but that shouldn't mean someone should post it for all to see

Speaking from experience, being able to swallow your pride is a valuable lesson far too few learn.

[Camazotz]

If it is a repetitive crime, or a person with multiple felonies, I would admit that it may help warn the public of these "possible" dangers. However, a minor crime is no reason to post one's personal file to the public. Some things are best left unseen to the eyes of the public, for everyone's benefit.

[Bougainvillea]

Speaking from experience, being able to swallow your pride is a valuable lesson far too few learn.

I had to swallow my pride when I was escorted by police off my school campus for having cigarettes

[INFERNO]

Then maybe you shouldn't have done it in the first place? Teens' biggest fear is being embarrassed, so maybe the threat of humiliation could discourage the acts in the first place.

I think it would be rather ridiculuous to document crimes such as "Johny, age 13, stole a pack of bubble gum". I'd only consider documenting the crimes if the criminal are repeat offenders or if it is a very serious crimes, along the lines of murder, rape, etc... . Otherwise, it'd just have pages and pages of petty crimes. We all make mistakes, so something silly like stealing a pack of gum or similar petty crimes shouldn't be documented so they can be held against you several years later. Obviously, if you rape or kill someone, then that should be (under most circumstances) but something silly like a prank or partying a bit too loud just seems pointless. Teen years, especially those in high school are when we are able to have fun before the shit hits the fan at college, university and work (although crimes and partying are done there).

[Bougainvillea]

Kudos to INFERNO :)

[Oblivion]

I think misdemeanors and gross misdemeanors should go without publicity for minors, but felonies and adult charges on minors should be publicized.

[INFERNO]

I think misdemeanors and gross misdemeanors should go without publicity for minors, but felonies and adult charges on minors should be publicized.

I agree. What about repeat offenders (i.e. from two times to eighteen times)?

[Mzor203]

I had a large post typed up but then my wireless failed, so sorry that this isn't incredibly full of goodness.

Petty crimes are widespread because they're seen as just that - petty. If someone got their head lopped off for shoplifting, you wouldn't see many shoplifters today. I am by no means saying go and behead shoplifters, BUT, as someone pointed out, humiliation is one of the top fears for a lot of teens. Thus, I am for reporting Juvenile activity to the public, for the following reasons:

-At the age of 13 or over, you should be mature enough to know right from wrong. Age should be no excuse to be able to get off with less than someone older.

-If you continuosly dismiss these crimes as 'petty', they are going to continue to seem like something that isn't a big deal. Making a bigger deal out of it will certainly make it seem more like something serious - which it is. It may seem harsh, but publicly humiliating teens who do stupid things which they KNOW are wrong will probably end up with teens not doing stupid things since they want to keep their reputation.

~Rex's generally harsh view on life.

[Oblivion]

That's a good idea, maybe like the three strikes law that's in effect, except instead of life in prison your name is publicized (for minors of course).

[nachtspiegel]

I know that at Wal-Mart (at least the one near me) has a strict policy on shoplifting. Several friends of mine got caught trying to lift petty shit (candy and chap stick) and ended up being banned from Wal-Mart until age eighteen in addition to being given six months probation.
I feel like a better penalty for petty things would be heavy and/or long term punishments. Such as not being able to go into the store for a certain period of time and huge fines.
Printing their names in newspapers for temporary humiliation may or may not do the trick.