juvenile arrests

Instead of arresting juvenile first-time offenders, law enforcement agencies in some Florida counties are opting for civil citations.

In at least one case, the suspect was 11 years old. Police and cities want to enforce the law, but also offer help to juveniles on the wrong path.

With a few exceptions, all misdemeanor juvenile offenses in Hillsborough County are now eligible for civil citations under the Juvenile Arrest Avoidance Program.

Faith leaders from around the state are asking Florida law enforcement to reduce the number of children they arrest, and instead they're encouraging the…

Juvenile arrests in Florida have reached the lowest number in 43 years, according to a report from the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice.