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Part IV - Program Narrative - Continuation Funding The role of the Juvenile Officer as projected in the original grant application is proceeding on course. The Juvenile Officer has been able to increase department awareness in the realm of juvenile crime by the increased investigation that now follows-up both reported offenses, and line officer detentions. More importantly, however, is the increased public awareness of the department's concern and anticipation of juve- nile crime. The citizen's of San Marcos now feel that the department is not only examining the symptom of crime, the offender, but is attacking the root cause and working with the juveniles involved. The Juvenile Officer has taken a role as police liaison between the department and other community resources. This has been most important in the school district. Through the creation of a Police Diversion Pro- ject, juveniles have been given aid who are are both currently on formal probation and others who were heading towards trouble. At present, there are 5 juveniles involved in 3 programs ranging from an old folk's home, to a youth soccer team. The project will continue to expand eventually to include a Police Athletic Basketball League by the winter of 1986. In the school district, an Officer Friendly Program has been started with expansion plans to include a City-Wide Vehicle Safety Program and eventu- ally an Alcohol Awareness Program and the WHO Program. This usage of the police in the schools is slow in gaining acceptance from school officials, but if pursued properly, can lead to School Liaison Officers. Another area of important achievement by the Juvenile Officer has been the formalization of written policies and procedures so that not only are line officers better informed for handling juveniles, but also the rights of juveniles are thoroughly protected. At present, procedures have been written and are awaiting formal acceptance. Upon their acceptance, the Juvenile Officer will conduct a series of presentations to patrol officers so that juveniles may be properly handled. In the meantime, record keeping has been updated to comply with legal standards and the department has instituted a standardized procedure in all runaway cases. Finally, the Juvenile Officer is acting in an advisory capacity to the City Recreation Department on the importance of community sponsored activities from a crime prevention aspect. At present, the City desires to build a Recreation Center and since it will probably be built by a bond issue, all community resources to educate the public which can be enlisted are necessary. The plans for the future are to continue to expand the present programs with special emphasis on education programs. Programs will include the WHO Program which teaches self protection and juvenile awareness of assault and sexual abuse. The Diversion Program teaches self-awareness and self-esteem, the key to modifying delinquent behavior. The major innovation of the upcoming grant year will be closer cooperation with the crime prevention officer in an Officer Ollie Puppet Program. The Juvenile Officer Grant in the San Marcos Police Department is being properly utilized in both the aspect of crime investigation and crime prevention. The program needs only time and continued funding to grow and prosper.