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Analysis of Juvenile Crime and the Juvenile Justice System in New Orleans, Louisiana (From Reports on Juvenile Crime, Charles C Foti, Jr -- See NCJ-155066)

NCJ Number
155067
Author(s)
G Landry; A Neville
Date Published
1991
Length
38 pages
Annotation
Police statistics indicate that juvenile crime in New Orleans has increased at a more rapid rate than adult crime, and Orleans does not provide adequate sanctions against juvenile offenders.
Abstract
Between 1985 and 1990, the number of juvenile arrests increased by 19 percent and the number of charges increased by 82 percent. The upswing in charges against juveniles is due to the fact that juveniles more frequently possess either weapons or drugs when arrested on another charge. About 72 percent of all charges against juveniles in New Orleans are for criminal offenses, with only 28 percent classified as status offenses. A significant increase has occurred in the number of serious crimes committed by juveniles. Although juveniles comprised only 11 percent of the total number of persons arrested in 1990, they accounted for 30 percent of murder charges. The operation of the juvenile justice system in New Orleans is discussed with respect to the juvenile court, arrest and release procedures, juvenile correctional facilities, detention and adjudication hearings, and juvenile probation. The effectiveness of the juvenile justice system is questioned, and a profile of juvenile offenders in custody is included. 17 references, 8 tables, and 3 figures