Page 54 - 2021 A Year in Review

Office of the Chief of Police concerning persons residing in Cranston under the age of

eighteen (18) years who are charged with violating the criminal laws of the state of

Rhode Island or the ordinances of our city. Any juvenile who is a resident of the city

who has allegedly committed an offense (if committed by an adult would be a

misdemeanor) may request a hearing before the juvenile hearing board rather than

being referred to the family court (with the Chief’s approval). That referral to the

Juvenile Hearing Board may not be offered to any juvenile:

1. Who has been charged with the crime of assault or battery, unless specifically

approved by the Office of the Chief,

2. Who has been twice previously referred to the board or who has been once

previously referred to the board and refused or failed to abide by the sanctions

imposed or to make the restitution recommended by the board; or

3. At the time of the commission of such juvenile offense, who was within the

custody and control of the family court, not to include guardianship matters.

It is within the Chief’s purview to offer a referral to the juvenile hearing board to any

other juvenile offender when a referral would benefit the juvenile concerned and the

community.

Procedurally, the Juvenile Prosecution Officer, Detective Derek Braga, screens the

juvenile arrest cases sent to the Prosecution Division. If the offenders don’t follow

through with Juvenile Hearing Board sanctions, the board will send the case back to

our department to Family Court. They are advised of this during the intake phase

when the rights waiver is signed, and they agree to commit to the Juvenile Hearing

Board.

It should be noted that the board, after investigation, may refuse to hear any case in

which it appears that a juvenile was wrongfully referred. In addition, the board may

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Cranston Police Department Year in Review 2021