Youth Crime Crisis: The latest data from the Bexar County Juvenile Probation Department reveals a concerning trend: increased teen gun possession and car theft.
At a recent town hall meeting, Police Chief William McManus and Judge William Cruz Shaw discussed the realities of youth in their care.
Judge Shaw highlighted the immense challenges these kids face daily, which many can’t fathom.
Shaw said, “Some kids have lived unimaginable lives.” He tried to show their complicated lives.
Judge Shaw shared his firsthand experience of being a young person in the juvenile court system. This showed how our expectations of them as adults differ from that they will always be kids.
Shaw said thoughtfully, “We want them to act like adults, but remember they’re still kids.”
Shaw explored the troubled family dynamics of these children, characterized by dysfunction and rejection, to deepen their complexity.
It’s a challenging issue. “We can’t solve this problem immediately,” Shaw said, aware that it would be a long-term challenge.
The Bexar County Juvenile Probation Department’s records indicate changing crime trends. The rising number of teens with guns and car thefts is concerning.
Bexar County’s records indicate a significant increase in car break-ins and thefts by young people, rising from 59 in 2022 to 174 this year.
The number of teens caught with guns has increased from 16 to 29 this year.
Judge Shaw discussed the rise of youth committing crimes for online attention and social media likes. He said this indicated the problem’s severity.
“Kids are bringing guns to school and either having them or threatening to shoot up the school,” Shaw said sadly.
Debbie Leal Herrera and others in the community came prepared to find ways to help.
Herrera, a teacher, urged parents to closely monitor their children. He emphasized the importance of knowing your kids’ whereabouts, friends, and social media activities.
Herrera, a teacher, believes addressing youth delinquency is crucial for parents, grandparents, and teachers. “We’re all either kids or old people,” she says. And students, too. What can we do? This isn’t good for the village.
Our Reader’s Queries
What crime is most common in youth?
Approximately 50% of juvenile arrests stem from theft, minor assault, drug use, unruly behavior, and breaking curfew.
What is the most common cause of youth crime?
The causes of youth crime are multifaceted and often stem from their environment at home and school. Low education levels can drive some young people towards criminal behavior, while peer pressure, abuse, and financial struggles can also play a significant role. Additionally, the influence of media can impact the decisions of impressionable youths.
Why is juvenile delinquency a problem?
Mental health issues are more common among young offenders than non-offenders, with around two-thirds of male juvenile offenders in the USA believed to have at least one psychiatric disorder.
Why are youth involved in crime?
During adolescence, peer groups play a crucial role. Adolescents with few social connections, who do not participate in common social activities, and are not well-liked at school, face a higher likelihood of turning to violence. Similarly, adolescents who associate with antisocial and delinquent peers also have an increased risk of engaging in violent behavior.