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Smithfield adopts resolution seeking local juvenile hearing board amid regional problems
Summary
Citing administrative difficulties with the regional board, the council adopted a resolution asking the General Assembly to enable Smithfield to establish its own juvenile hearing board.
The Smithfield Town Council adopted a resolution urging the General Assembly to authorize the town to establish its own juvenile hearing board after members described administrative problems with the current regional arrangement with Johnston.
Town staff explained the regional juvenile hearing board has been administered by Johnston and that recent scheduling and administrative issues have left Smithfield police without timely hearings for juveniles. The council said a local board would better serve the town’s needs while not preventing future regional cooperation if the partners agree.
Councilmember DeAngelo described the juvenile hearing board as "a great option for juveniles... who get into some trouble in town and maybe can avoid the criminal justice system and some things on their record for a long period of time," and moved passage. Another council member requested a memo explaining the specific administrative problems; the manager confirmed relevant information was in the meeting packet. The motion passed on the council vote.
The resolution asks the General Assembly to enact enabling legislation so Smithfield can operate a local juvenile hearing board; it does not immediately create a board without state authorization.
