Cops and Kids
Instructor: Detective Patrick McCann
Location: Edison, NJ (Middlesex County, ZIP 08837)
Date: January 22, 2027
Duration: 9 hours
Cost: $195.00
Categories: Juvenile, Legal, Case Law
Course Description
Law enforcement encounters involving juveniles represent some of the most demanding and legally intricate situations officers encounter in their careers. The regulations surrounding juvenile offenders, victims, custody procedures, interrogation techniques, and release mechanisms are multifaceted and subject to ongoing changes, exposing officers to potential legal vulnerabilities, evidence suppression, and procedural violations.
This intensive single-day program equips law enforcement professionals with the legal foundation and actionable strategies required to manage juvenile investigations confidently, from initial contact to case resolution. Delivered by a seasoned juvenile law enforcement specialist, the curriculum integrates applicable statutes and case law, real-world scenarios, and field-tested strategies tailored for immediate practical use.
Participants will explore appropriate application of curbside warnings and stationhouse discretion, legal requirements for custodial detention of juveniles, and the mechanisms for releasing juveniles to parents, guardians, or under their own recognizance. The training also addresses techniques for questioning juvenile suspects, complainants, and witnesses, with emphasis on Miranda requirements, parental consent procedures, ensuring statement reliability, and proper case documentation.
Additional topics include collaboration with educational institutions during investigative procedures, recognizing distinct legal frameworks applicable within school settings, and strategies for enforcing violations involving controlled substances, alcohol, and other youth-centered infractions.
Regardless of whether officers work in patrol operations, investigative divisions, juvenile justice units, or educational resource officer assignments, completion of this course will enhance their capacity to render lawful, uniform, and legally defensible determinations while safeguarding both the rights and welfare of young individuals.