Res 1984-031 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Part IV PROGRAM NARRATIVE 1. Objectives and Need For This Assistance: Concise summary demonstrating need and nature of project. State principal and subordinate objectives of the project. Include specific data and cite sources. San Marcos, located at the center of a rapidly expanding metroplex between Austin and San Antonio, has been e:x-periencing a rapid growth in both area and population. Since 1970, the ;Y1'~sident and University population increased over 78%. In addition, the patrol area increased % but manpower only increased 10.3%. This rapid expansion has left many ÍIrIfXJrtant services prepared for the future. Statistics indicate that over a five year period, ending in 1983, l::nere have been increases in almost every criminal area. The 1979 estimated value of lost property was $551,562. By 1983, this had increased 50.9% to $1,083.178. Offenses involving juveniles increased as follows: alcohol-related up 45%, disorderly conduct up 50%, possession of stolen property up 200%, stolen vehicles up 600%, and the runaway rate rose 800%. The statistics do indicate a drop in apprehensions for juveniles in burglary and larceny; however, these denote apprehensions only and the true figures concerning the actual number of juvenile offenders is undoubtedly much higher. This can be reflected through overall figures of burglary, w-hich is up 9.9% and larceny, which is up 87%. At present, the Department has little opportunity to influence the course of our juvenile offenders. During a juvenile detention, the child is simply processed through the Department, passed to the Hays County Juvenile Probation Officer, and there is no in-house follow-up of the juvenile as to the needs or problems of the juvenile and no measures are taken whatsoever to prevent future problems. The only contact between the police, juvenile, and faTTIily is negative and difficult to deal with. Our community has many problems such as a large populatio of lower income families, families with personal problems, alcoholic a'1d drug dependent parents, children that are victims of abuse, emotionally disturbed, in need of guidance, and even some that are htùîgry. It is essential for these problems to be addressed. rile creation of a Juvenile Officer will have a positive effect by providing supervision over the disposition of juveniles through the Departmß."lt, working in association vlÌth youth services organizations to determine the needs of the child and family to arrive at the most effective solutions to help and guide the juvenile toward a productive future, a.."ld to have a more rsonal role in the needs of our juvenile population. The Officer will initiate juvenile linquency education and prevention programs in area schools and youth and parent organization e services of the Department will be vastly increased to include an important and, to date, neglected, segment of our corrmunity. These statistics were gathered from the Department's standard record keepirlg system and frcrn the Uniform Crime Reports. 2. Results or Benefits Expected: Identify overall results and benefits to be accom- plished by the project and how project will address the problem. Establishing a Juvenile Officer vlill directly apply to our DepéL."i:ment' s and conmunity's juvenile probl.ems to provide the best services available for the juvenile or family involved. The more personal contact will improve relations with juveniles and parents and also provide insight of the problems causing the activity and the proper and realistic solutions. The Officer will be responsible for the specialized skills of the field and help coordinate the Department with the Juvenile Probation Department and Jl.<.'Venile Court. The Officer will orga.."lize correspondence with local youth, civic, and sd.'1oo1 organizations to implernent educational programs to better inform juveniles a.."ld parents about the conmunity Q...T1.d police. At present, detentions and investigations are primarily conducted by lLDiformed line officers a..îd there is no organized effort within the Department to coordinate them. 1-1ost p::>st-detention investigations are not conducted by the Department, but by the Juvenile Probation Department after referral. The Department's Juvenile Officer will have better insight and gain valuable inforrration, that is currently lost, to provide answers to needs and problB.l1S. The Officer can serve to e-ducate line officers in juvenile case law and the Texas Family Code to further otect the rights of the juvenile. The long term expectation of the program is to show a gnificant decrease in juvenile crime with the implementation of education and effective event ion measures.