Agenda Date: 09/04/2018
Subject:
Title
A resolution approving a Memorandum of Understanding for use of the 18th Judicial District Juvenile Assessment Center
Body
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Presented By: |
Doug Stephens, Chief of Police |
REQUESTED COUNCIL ACTION:
Does city council support a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the 18th Judicial District for use of the Juvenile Assessment Center (JAC)?
BACKGROUND:
The 18th Judicial District JAC is utilized by all law enforcement agencies within the district for assessment and processing of juvenile offenders placed under arrest for criminal violations, or otherwise requiring detention-eligible processing.
The JAC serves as a single point of entry for law enforcement whereby officers may transport juvenile offenders to the JAC for processing and intervention. The JAC allows for police personnel to return to their other duties in a timely manner. All law enforcement agencies in the 18th Judicial District must utilize the JAC for juvenile intake.
In 2017, the Littleton Police Department (LPD) transported 44 juveniles to the JAC for processing. The JAC estimates LPD officers returned to service within five minutes of transporting juveniles to the custody of JAC staff. The JAC estimates LPD saved approximately 177 hours processing time for juveniles who were not eligible for detention following processing. This is time LPD officers would have spent out-of-service coordinating the release of these juveniles to responsible parties. The JAC handles this time-consuming task as part of its services.
PRIOR ACTIONS OR DISCUSSIONS:
Littleton has participated in the JAC for several years. This MOU is an annual update of the existing agreement.
STAFF ANALYSIS:
Staff supports the approval of the MOU as it greatly increases the efficient operations of LPD personnel when dealing with detention-eligible juveniles. Using the JAC allows LPD personnel to return to service quickly following transporting juveniles to the custody of the JAC staff.
OPTIONS/ALTERNATIVES:
The JAC is the only option available for officers handling detention-eligible juveniles in the 18th Judicial District (Arapahoe County). There are currently no other methods within the district to process these juveniles.
FISCAL IMPACTS:
The JAC fees are determined on a use-based formula and are shared among the 20 law enforcement agencies within the four counties of the judicial district. Littleton paid $20,635.08 for transports to the JAC in 2017. Annually, the LPD pays approximately $20,000 - $23,000 on average for the JAC services. These funds are regularly appropriated each year within the annual budget for the police department.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends council approve the MOU with the 18th Judicial District Juvenile Assessment Center.
PROPOSED MOTION:
Proposed Motion
I move to approve the resolution approving a Memorandum of Understanding for use of the 18th Judicial District Juvenile Assessment Center.