Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Academy (NVCJA) Practice Exam

Under what circumstances may a juvenile be taken into custody by an officer?

1. Being a minor

2. Having a detention order or posing a public threat

3. Having no parent present

4. Being out after curfew

The correct answer is: Having a detention order or posing a public threat

A juvenile may be taken into custody by an officer primarily under specific legal criteria that prioritize safety and the judicial process. The correct choice emphasizes the importance of having a detention order or the necessity to protect the public from a potential threat posed by the juvenile. When a juvenile is considered a public threat, officers have a mandate to act in the interest of community safety. This involves the risk assessment of the juvenile's behaviors that could harm themselves or others. A detention order, which indicates that there is a judicial determination of the need to detain the juvenile, provides the legal basis for their custody. In contrast, being a minor, having no parent present, or being out after curfew do not automatically justify taking a juvenile into custody. These conditions may warrant concern or intervention, but they do not meet the legal standards necessary for detention without an assessment of risk or a court order. Thus, the selection of having a detention order or posing a public threat underscores the legal responsibility police officers have in handling juveniles, ensuring that their actions are legally supported and focused on safety.