What effect does the Young Offenders Act have on police discretion?

The Young Offenders Act is designed to address the unique circumstances of young offenders and aims to reduce the negative impacts of criminal proceedings on youth. By providing options for diversion instead of formal criminal charges, the Act encourages police to consider alternatives that promote rehabilitation rather than punishment for young individuals who have engaged in minor offenses. This means that instead of automatically proceeding with arrests or charges, police can utilize programs and interventions that aim to guide the young offender towards positive outcomes.

This approach acknowledges that young people are still in formative stages of development and that exposure to the criminal justice system can have lasting detrimental effects. The provisions of the Young Offenders Act empower police to exercise discretion in a way that benefits young people and contributes to reducing recidivism, while ensuring that serious offenses are still appropriately addressed.

Other options do not accurately reflect the intent of the Young Offenders Act. Mandating criminal charges would contradict the Act’s aim of providing alternatives. Eliminating police discretion entirely does not align with the Act’s framework, which is about providing choices rather than restricting them. Lastly, the Act does not seek to impose harsher penalties, as the focus is on rehabilitation and support for young offenders.