MCOLES State Licensing Practice Exam

What should be the first action taken when detaining a juvenile for property damage?

1. Arrest and take the juvenile to the detention center

2. Inform the citizen it is a civil matter

3. Take a report

4. Ignore the incident

The correct answer is: Inform the citizen it is a civil matter

The recommended first action when detaining a juvenile for property damage is to inform the citizen that it is a civil matter. This approach recognizes that many cases of property damage involving juveniles may not warrant criminal proceedings, particularly if the act is minor or involves mutual consent aspects. In many jurisdictions, civil issues like property damage can often be resolved without the need for law enforcement intervention. When considering this option, it is also important to assess the situation thoroughly. If the damage is significant or intentional, further actions could be warranted. However, starting with this method can help maintain the juvenile’s dignity and can potentially lead to a resolution without escalating the situation into formal criminal proceedings. While other options like arresting the juvenile or taking a report may seem appropriate in certain contexts, they often come after evaluating the circumstances of the incident, including the severity of the damage, the intent behind the action, and the juvenile's prior history. Ignoring the incident is not a responsible approach, as it fails to acknowledge the responsibilities involved in cases of property damage. Thus, starting with a civil resolution can often be a more constructive first step.