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Juvenile Arrests In Florida Reach 48-Year Low

A Florida juvenile detention center.
Credit Department of Juvenile Justice
/
Department of Juvenile Justice
A Florida juvenile detention center.

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

Arrests in Florida have dropped eight percent over the last year, with a ten percent drop in felony arrests. This continues a multi-year trend, with a five-year decline of nearly 25 percent.

The report also detailed double-digit declines in armed robbery, burglary and stolen property.

“The decreases we are seeing in juvenile arrests are due to the collaborative efforts of our dedicated DJJ staff, law enforcement partners, and community stakeholders,” DJJ Interim Secretary Timothy Niermann said in a statement.

However, arrests in Florida’s second judicial circuit which houses Leon County, only dropped two percent, and there’s been no change in the average rate over the last five years.  

To view the full report, click here.

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Shawn Mulcahy is a junior at Florida State University pursuing a degree in public relations and political science. Before WFSU, he worked as an Account Coordinator at RB Oppenheim Associates and a contributing indie writer for the music blog EARMILK. After graduation, he plans to work in journalism or government communications. He enjoys coffee, reading and music.