Munroe Falls Police Department

Youth Division

The Munroe Falls Youth Division was created in 2002 by the Munroe Falls Police Department as a diversionary program for juvenile offenders. Rather than refer them to the Summit County Juvenile Court, this program allows the youth workers to be directly involved with the juvenile and their family. This provides them with the opportunity to network with different agencies to provide the best assistance for their individual needs.

Referral:

Generally, any juvenile that lives in Munroe Falls and becomes involved with the police is eligible for a referral to Youth Services. If an offense is deemed inappropriate for Youth Services, a referral will be made to the Summit County Juvenile Court.

Hearings:

All juveniles referred to Youth Services must attend a hearing, with a parent, at the Munroe Falls Police Department. At the hearing the Chief of Police or hearing officer will advise the juvenile and his/her parents the matter is being heard unofficially and informally. The child and parent must give their consent for the hearing to continue. If consent is not given the referral will be sent to Juvenile Court on an official complaint for an official hearing.

The diversion hearing does not establish an actual Juvenile Court record for the child and is confidential. The disposition of the case is kept as a juvenile record at the Munroe Falls Police Department. This record is confidential. This will give the youth an opportunity to modify his behavior through intervention.

The Youth Worker/Hearing Officer will follow-up and monitor the juvenile on a weekly basis for six (6) months.

May be required to attend Parent Educational Groups with their child.

As a result of a Youth Services Hearing the Hearing Officer will make a disposition which may include any of the following:

1. Obey all home and school rules.
2. Obey the laws of the State of Ohio.
3. Do all homework and studies.
4. No school suspension, detention, tardiness.
5. Copy of all report cards while youth is on Community Supervision.
6. Community Supervision to Youth Services for a minimum of 6 months.
7. If damages are incurred, restitution is set by the Chief of Police, as discussed between parties. Payment is expected promptly.
8. Referral to community agencies as needed.
9. Supervised community service work/hours must be completed before case can be closed.
10. House arrest.
11. No use or possession of alcohol, tobacco, or drugs.
12. Additional consequences may be given depending on the seriousness of the offense.

1. Hold youth accountable for their actions.
2. Keep juvenile offenders from entering the Juvenile Court system.
3. Prevent future offenses.
4. Provide intervention services.

The Munroe Falls Youth Division operates under the supervision of Chief Scott Bellinger and John Jacobs Sr.