Decline seen in juvenile delinquency numbers

The number of juvenile delinquency cases declined by 36 percent last year due mainly to the Department of Public Safety’s temporary abolition of its anti-theft task force, the Division of Youth Services said.

The DYS Juvenile Probation Unit reported that it handled a total of 272 cases involving youth offenders in 2003—or a third less than the 478 cases posted in the previous year.

The agency attributed the decrease mainly to DPS’ decision to assign six of its detectives to devote their time into investigating robbery and burglary cases. The move resulted in the temporary dissolution of the DPS Thief Apprehension Select Coalition.

Based on DYS statistics, theft was among the offenses committed by most youths. Despite the suspension of the anti-theft program in fiscal year 2003, DYS documented 37 theft cases involving minors.

Other offenses committed by a great number of youths were curfew violation, with 46 cases; liquor consumption, 45 cases; disturbing the peace, 33 cases; assault and battery, and illegal possession of controlled substance, 24 cases each; and criminal mischief, 22 cases.

Youths involved in two or more cases numbered 55, DYS said.

Among villages, Kagman registered the most number of youth offenders, with 35 cases, followed by Dandan with 33; Chalan Kanoa with 29; Koblerville with 25; and Garapan with 23.

The ages of the youths involved in delinquency cases ranged between 8 and 17.

Besides the temporary abolition of the DPS Thief Apprehension Select Coalition, DYS cited the creation of additional youth centers throughout the CNMI as a reason for the decline in the number of juvenile delinquency cases. New youth centers were put up in Gualo Rai, Tanapag, Chalan Kanoa, San Antonio and Kagman.

“Most junior and senior high schools have adopted their own alternative programs such as after school study program,” DYS added. “Kids that have been identified as at-risk are diverted into specialized classrooms such as the Linal Malawasch Academy.”

Further, DYS noted the prevention efforts by the Division of Sports and Recreation and the Juvenile Probation Unit.

At present, DYS is responsible for supervising 167 juvenile cases that have been adjudicated; 58 on pre-trial and awaiting disposition; and 47 under the Juvenile Diversion Program.