G8.4.1 Juvenile Arrestees
Chapter: Chapter 08: Arrestee Processing and Transportation
Sub-Chapter: 8.4 - Juveniles
Effective Date: 11/16/2023
Revised Date: 11/16/2023
Rescinds: None
Purpose
To describe the procedures the Indiana University Police Department (IUPD) will follow when arresting, detaining, and transporting juveniles.
General Order
When dealing with juvenile offenders, officers will use the least coercive among all reasonable alternatives consistent with preserving public safety, order, and individual liberty and to satisfy the requirements of the law. The IUPD is committed to releasing juveniles as soon as reasonably practicable and keeping juveniles safe while in the custody of the IUPD.
Rights of arrested juveniles (8.4.1 a)
Whenever a juvenile is taken into custody by the IUPD, the arresting officer(s) will ensure that the juvenile’s constitutional and other statutory rights are protected.
Searching of juveniles (8.4.1 b)
When a juvenile is arrested, a search of their person will be conducted in the same manner as with adult arrestees.
Transportation of juveniles (8.4.1 c)
The transportation of juveniles will be done without delay and as soon as reasonably practicable. Juveniles will be transported separately from adult offenders. Transporting officers will notify the IUPD dispatch communications center via radio of the beginning and ending mileage to be documented in the IUPD’s Computer Aided Dispatch system.
Use of restraints on juveniles (8.4.1 d)
Juveniles will be handcuffed in instances where the officer reasonably believes the safety, security, and well-being of the juvenile and others warrants handcuffing, including such instances where there is reasonable belief that the juvenile may resist, attempt escape, or damage property.
Monitoring of juvenile arrestees (8.4.1 e)
Juveniles who have been taken into custody will be under constant monitoring by a sworn officer at all times prior to release or transportation to the appropriate detention center. Under no circumstance will any juvenile who is in the custody of the IUPD be left unattended.
Approved methods and locations of detention (8.4.1 f)
In accordance with applicable Indiana Code (IC) provisions, juvenile offenders may be taken into custody for the following reasons:
- Under an order of the court;
- Probable cause to believe the child has committed a delinquent act (as described in IC 31-37-1-2); and
- Child in need of services.
The IUPD does not operate any temporary detention areas and therefore will ensure the custody of the juvenile is transferred to the appropriate detention facility. Officers will contact the local juvenile probation/court with jurisdiction and follow the directions provided when determining the appropriate location of detention or the party to whom the juvenile will be released.
Notifying parents or guardians of juveniles who have been taken into custody (8.4.1 g)
The arresting officer will reasonably attempt to notify a parent or guardian that the juvenile has been taken into custody at the first possible opportunity. The parent or guardian will be notified of the reason the child is being held and the location where the child is being held. All efforts to contact the parent or guardian will be documented in the case report.
Notification to schools of student arrests
In accordance with IC 31-37-4-3, the arresting officer will ensure that notification to the appropriate administrative officer or superintendent within the juvenile’s school or school district is made within forty-eight (48) hours after a juvenile is arrested or taken into custody for any of the listed crimes, acts or situations. This notification will include the reason the juvenile was taken into custody but will not include information that is confidential under state or federal law. Such notification, including the identity of the person to whom the notification was made, will be documented within the case report.
Related Information
Indiana Code
- 31-32-2 Rights of Persons Subject to Juvenile Court Jurisdiction
- 31-34-2 Taking a Child in Need of Services Into Custody
- 31-37-1 Delinquent Children Who Commit Acts That Would Be Offenses if Committed by Adults
- 31-37-4 Taking a Child Into Custody
- 31-37-5 Child Taken Into Custody