Suburban Law Enforcement Academy (SLEA) BA State Certification Practice Exam

After a felony arrest of a minor, what two steps must Officer Smith take?

1. Notify the parent and take the minor to a juvenile officer

2. Call juvenile court and release the minor

3. Detain the minor for a hearing and contact a lawyer

4. Notify the media and hold a press conference

The correct answer is: Notify the parent and take the minor to a juvenile officer

In the context of handling the arrest of a minor for a felony, the proper protocol emphasizes the importance of parental notification and the involvement of juvenile authorities. By notifying the parent or guardian, Officer Smith ensures that the family is aware of the situation and can provide support and guidance for the minor during this critical time. This is a key aspect of maintaining the minor's rights and facilitating appropriate interventions. Taking the minor to a juvenile officer is crucial as it transitions the case from a law enforcement matter to the juvenile justice system, which is designed to address offenses by minors through rehabilitative measures rather than purely punitive ones. This step allows for the appropriate management and oversight of juvenile cases and ensures that the minor receives the necessary legal and social support. Other responses may suggest actions that do not align with standard juvenile procedures, such as contacting the media, which would be inappropriate given the sensitivity of minors’ cases. Additionally, simply releasing the minor or detaining them without further legal steps would not fulfill the officer's responsibilities in ensuring a fair and just process for the juvenile. Thus, the correct response outlines a balanced approach of parental involvement and proper legal channels for handling the minor’s case.