The Disproportionate Overrepresentation of Minority Youth in ...

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Perceived Role of the Court and Views of the System
Protect Society and Hold Youth Accountable
Almost all decision makers believe that maintaining social order and protecting
society are very to somewhat important in interacting with youth (Tables 2, 3). In the
personal interviews, juvenile court officers indicated they would like to be more involved
in rehabilitation but have found themselves “stretched in too many directions.” As a
result, less of an emphasis is placed on that part of the job, though it is seen as important.
Juvenile court officers had mixed opinions on whether the court treats juveniles
too leniently (18 percent answered strongly agree/agree and 50 percent responded with a
disagree/strongly disagree). Eighty-two percent, however, did believe it is very to
somewhat important for the system to achieve punishment. Seventy-one percent agree
that delinquents must be dealt with strictly, and 96 percent strongly agree/agree that
offenders should be held accountable for their crimes. Thus, the emphasis in Polk county
appears to be on holding youth accountable and dealing with them in a strict manner.
Each of the above sentiments is evident when reading the interviews conducted
with decision makers. A few officers felt pressure from the legislators to be protectors of
the community. The location of the Polk county juvenile court office in Des Moines
seems to have impacted the officers perceived role. As indicated by some officers,