Florida Juvenile Arrests At 43-Year Low: Report

TALLAHASSEE, FL — The number of juvenile arrests in Florida continued to decline over the past year, according to a report released Monday by the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice. Officials said juvenile arrests were down 24 percent over the past five years.

"Juvenile felony arrests dropped 10 percent over the last fiscal year and overall juvenile arrests declined 8 percent in the same time frame," the agency said. "These declines continue the multi-year trend of fewer arrests, with a five-year decline of 24 percent, resulting in the lowest number of juvenile arrests in 43 years."

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Florida's five largest counties by population all showed declines in juvenile arrests over the last fiscal year.

Orange County experienced a 19 percent decline followed by Miami-Dade with a 16 percent reduction.

Hillsborough County had an 8 percent drop. Broward had a 7 percent decrease and Pinellas County posted a 2 percent decline in juvenile arrests.

Florida Department of Juvenile Justice Interim Secretary Timothy Niermann attributed the decreases to good working relationships among agency staff, law enforcement and community stakeholders.

“Helping young people turn around their lives for the better is what we all strive for every day," he said. "We remain focused on investing in our youth and helping them achieve a brighter future."

The five-year report shows a 13 percent decrease in armed robbery by juveniles, a 20 percent decrease in burglary arrests and a 42 percent decline in stolen property arrests. Misdemeanor offenses also decreased by 9 percent over the last fiscal year.

"The Department of Juvenile Justice has worked to transform the juvenile justice system in Florida by implementing comprehensive, data-driven reforms," the agency said. "As a result, Florida has been recognized as a national leader in innovative, evidence-based approaches to juvenile justice and in providing services for young people and families."

Click here to read the full report.

Photo by Paul Scicchitano