Investigation
Juvenile Investigation units serve minors and adults up to 21 years of age. The unit provides a multitude of information to the Juvenile Court. In the case of those minors for whom a petition has been filed by the District Attorney, investigators complete in-depth individual social studies, which include gathering information regarding the offense, minors home environment, school record and history, prior delinquent history and statements from the minor, parent and victim (if applicable). Upon receipt of all the above, officers are trained in the options available for disposition and subsequently make a recommendation to the Court which appropriately addresses minors needs. Community protection and rehabilitation of the minor are the main factors in making the recommendation. Juvenile Investigations acts as an arm of the Juvenile Court to ensure it receives concise, accurate information and appropriate recommendations regarding juvenile offenders appearing before it. This simple mission can become complicated due to the nature of Juvenile Court Law and the numerous legal requirements set by the legislature and case law.
Juvenile Investigations has many other related responsibilities which include but are not limited to: Court Hearing Officer; California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation-Division of Juvenile Justice Commitments; Restitution Determination (in an effort to make victims whole); Interstate Compact Requests; Direct Filings (including fitness hearings to determine a minor's suitability to be rehabilitated in the juvenile setting); Welfare and Institutions Code Section 6550 (which includes those minors not competent to stand trail); Record Seals; Information Requests; and Emancipations.
