What action can police NOT take against a juvenile under 12 years old?

The action that police cannot take against a juvenile under 12 years old is arrest. This principle is rooted in the understanding of juvenile justice systems, which often prioritize rehabilitation over punishment, especially for younger minors.

Most jurisdictions consider children under a certain age, typically around 12 years old, as not being fully capable of committing a crime in the same way as older individuals. Laws may stipulate that children below this age cannot be formally arrested or charged in the same manner as adolescents or adults, recognizing that they may lack the cognitive and moral development necessary to understand their actions fully.

Summons, charging, and creating a report can still be pursued for juveniles. A summons can be issued in situations where the juvenile needs to appear in court for a lesser infraction or issue. Charging, while limited for very young children, may still involve formal proceedings in some rare instances, and creating a report helps document the interaction or the occurrence, which is also a standard part of police procedure.