Page 55 - 2022 A Year in Review Final

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 city resident 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. Who, at the time of the commission of such juvenile offense, 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 where such referral would benefit the juvenile concerned and

the community.

Procedurally, the Juvenile Prosecution Officer, Inspector Kevin Denneny, 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 send 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

where a juvenile was wrongfully referred. In addition, the board may refuse to hear

any case in which the juvenile refuses to supply the board with the requested

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Cranston Police Department Year in Review 2022