How must law enforcement records concerning minors under 17 years be maintained?

Maintaining law enforcement records concerning minors under 17 years separately from arrest records is essential for several reasons. Firstly, this practice aligns with the legal protections afforded to minors, which acknowledge their developmental status and the potential long-term impact a public criminal record might have on their future. Keeping these records separate helps shield children from the stigmatization that can accompany being associated with criminal activities, as their actions can significantly differ from those of adults.

Separating the records ensures that sensitive information is handled appropriately, promoting privacy and reducing the chances of minors facing adverse consequences in their educational, social, and professional lives. Additionally, many jurisdictions have laws and regulations specifically designed to protect the confidentiality of juvenile records, reinforcing the necessity of maintaining them separately.

In contrast, maintaining these records in the same file as adult records, under a parent's name, or as part of public records would contradict these privacy protections and could expose minors to unwanted scrutiny and repercussions that could hinder their developmental opportunities.