What actions can police take against a juvenile between the ages of 12-18?

The selection of the answer indicating that police can take actions such as arrest, summons, or charge against a juvenile between the ages of 12-18 is accurate because it reflects the legal framework governing juvenile justice. In many jurisdictions, law enforcement has the authority to address offenses committed by juveniles in several ways.

Arresting a juvenile may occur when a serious offense has been committed or when a juvenile poses a danger to themselves or others. Alternatively, police might choose to issue a summons for less severe offenses, allowing the juvenile and their guardians to appear in court on a scheduled date without the need for custody. Additionally, charging a juvenile with an offense can lead to further legal proceedings, putting them into the juvenile justice system to determine an appropriate response, which may include counseling, community service, or other rehabilitative measures.

The other options are limited in nature, as they do not encompass the full range of actions that law enforcement can take in these situations. For example, merely issuing a warning limits law enforcement’s ability to address more serious behavior, while sending a juvenile to court exclusively without the option of arrest or summons overlooks the flexibility police have in handling juvenile cases. Thus, the comprehensive nature of the correct answer reflects the multifaceted approach law enforcement