PEORIA, Ill. – Peoria Police Echevarria says there are two types of juveniles who may be committing most of the crime you’ve been hearing about a lot lately.
Those who are habitual offenders getting arrested time and again. And those who may just make a simple mistake.
“One of our partners is Friendship House,” said Echevarria, to WMBD’s Craig Collins. “One of the things Friendship House will be doing is having some healing circles with some of these offenders who aren’t these habitual offenders, where we can get the victim involved and get the offender involved, and really dialogue to what the offense was and what the solution will be, to get this child back on track.”
Echevarria says as for habitual offenders, he says there are programs that can help them, too. But, he says he’s looking at potential ways through the state legislature parents can become responsible under the law for what juveniles do.
“There needs to be a mechanism in place to start holding parents responsible,” said Echevarria. “There isn’t one at this point. But, we’re starting some of those conversations as well. Hopefully, we can present something to the General Assembly at some point.”
Echevarria says there are about 38 to 45 juvenile habitual offenders, some as young as 12, that are committing vehicle thefts, aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, and other crimes.
He says there are plenty of juveniles who are good kids, and as much as police need to deal with repeat offenders, those who are good, or who may only offend once or twice, need just as much attention and support.
