Officials said they’re continuing to track down those responsible, but keeping them off the streets isn’t that simple.
UNION COUNTY, N.C. — Law enforcement officials are voicing growing frustration with juvenile justice reforms as they grapple with an increase in serious crimes committed by young people.
“The ‘raise the age’ policy is not working,” Union County Lt. James Maye said. “We can’t get the paperwork we need to hold them accountable.”
North Carolina’s “Raise the Age” legislation, which took effect in December 2019, changed how the justice system handles most cases involving 16- and 17-year-olds. Officials say the current system creates excessive bureaucratic hurdles when dealing with juveniles under 16.
According to Maye, deputies must process cases through the Department of Juvenile Justice, a procedure that can take hours and doesn’t guarantee detention even when serious crimes are involved.
“A lot of times we get told no. We get told the crime is not severe enough, or that this person does not have enough points,” Maye said. In some cases, juveniles are “back at home without supervision before the ink is dry on their paperwork.”
Law enforcement officials are concerned that these limitations are having unintended consequences beyond just frustrating officers. There’s evidence that adults are exploiting these policies by recruiting minors to commit crimes.
“They’ve gotten smart and realize the kids are not going to be held accountable like the adults,” Maye explained.
Local nonprofit organizations are stepping up efforts to address the underlying issues. The Boys to Men Foundation is working to keep young people engaged, especially with summer break approaching.
“They’re frustrated for some apparent reason. If they have the time to get in trouble, they will get in trouble,” Christopher Fowler, president of the Boys to Men Foundation, said.
While community organizations increase their programming, police are planning to enhance their community presence. But Maye believes that until the juvenile justice system is reformed, communities will continue to suffer.
“We still have victims that are having to deal with the effects of these crimes, and sadly we cannot tell them someone is in custody as a result of their actions,” he said.
Officials urge residents to take preventive measures, including not leaving firearms in vehicles and consistently locking homes and cars.
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