The Impact of Public Policy on Juvenile Crime

The trend of public policy making and the impact it has on juvenile delinquency and the criminal justice system is a interesting topic to be explored.  There are many implications and questions, and concerns in addressing this issue. The issue of juvenile delinquency is important in the sense that it directly impacts public policy.  It has a direct link to rehabilitation resources available and crime prevention, as well as the process for juveniles when they enter the criminal justice system. There is a direct linking of the public’s response to this issue.  The trends and attitudes have changed throughout time and the debate is still there as to treat them as adults or children, Policies of deterrence or rehabilitation, or blended.  This is crucial to public policy and decision making when addressing this concern. This in turn is related to policy implementation and the resource allocation.

            Public policy is first created when citizens and legislation, and other key people focus on an issue and the dilemma.  The purpose of the public policy is of awareness of the issue and how it will be handled, as well as the resources to be allocated to this issue.  An example is a neighborhood has a increase in juvenile crimes.  People in the community decide to organize a neighborhood watch and a community awareness committee to discuss concerns and discuss a strategy for dealing with this concern.  This becomes a forum for the mission plan for the community committee.  The objective has been established.  Another important step in this procedure is to get their voice heard which is done through legislation which is where a key player is a senator.   A good example is Senator Bingman.  According to the web site, http://bingaman.senate.gov/policy/issues/crime.cfm, on an article, Crime and Justice, He states,” I have led efforts to provide additional resources for youth drop-out prevention programs, drug courts, and rehabilitation and treatment services.” (http://bingaman.senate.gov/policy/issues/crime.cfm)

      The Senator is a key tool for making public policy which will determine how this issue is dealt with in the criminal justice system and the allocation of resources.  He is a speaker for the people of his state.  Public policy determines the tactic and strategies to be utilized in the procedures for this issue of juvenile crime, such as community programs to prevent or deter juvenile crime.