NEW ALBANY POLICE DEPARTMENT - New Albany, Ohio

The officer’s decision to place a juvenile offender into the Diversion Program should take
into consideration the nature of the offense, age and background of the juvenile offender,
the juvenile’s record, and the availability of other social service programs. Consideration
may also be given to the recommendation of the victim/complainant. The referral to the
Diversion Program is made by forwarding the charges and the Diversion Request Form
(PD-99-132) (see Addendum A) to the Probation Officer.
4.1.2 Procedures for Juvenile Custody
The following definitions are used to determine juvenile custody:
Secure: The juvenile is physically detained in a locked room, cell, or is handcuffed and is not free
to leave the building.
Non-secure: The juvenile may be in custody but is not in a secure area and can “technically”
leave the building. The juvenile may be handcuffed and placed in an unlocked room.
Delinquent: A juvenile who violates any law that would be an offense if committed by an adult.
Status offender: A juvenile who has committed or is charged with an offense that would not be a
crime if committed by an adult (i.e. - curfew).
Non-offender: A juvenile who is neglected, abused, dependant, or has mental health needs.
Adjudicated: A juvenile that has been found guilty of a crime by a juvenile court.
Rule 6 of the Ohio Rules of Juvenile Procedures and O.R.C. §2151.31 outline the procedures and
circumstances for taking a juvenile into custody. Pursuant to these guidelines, juveniles may be
taken into custody by a law enforcement officer:
Pursuant to an order of the court.
Pursuant to the laws of arrest.
When there are reasonable grounds to believe:
1. The child is suffering from illness or injury and is not receiving proper care.
2. The child is in immediate danger from his/her surroundings and removal is
necessary to prevent immediate or threatened physical or emotional harm.
3. A parent, guardian, custodian, or other household member has abused or
neglected another child in the household and that the child is in danger of
immediate or threatened physical or emotional harm.
When there are reasonable grounds to believe that the child has run away from
his/her parent(s), guardian(s), or other custodian.
When there are reasonable grounds to believe that the conduct, conditions, or
surroundings of the child are endangering his/her health, welfare, or safety.
When there are reasonable grounds to believe that the child may abscond or be
removed from the jurisdiction of the court.
When there are reasonable grounds to believe that the child will not be brought before
the court when required.
A. Juveniles who have engaged in non-criminal misbehavior (status offenses) shall be
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