Misconduct by dependent children may result in JCB proceedings

  • Published
  • By Mark Wyatt
  • 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. – Historically, the 66th Security Forces Squadron has seen an uptick in minor and major offenses involving youth who live on base following the end of the school year.

Base officials will use the Juvenile Corrections Board Program to correct youth conduct and deter potential youth violators in an effort to reduce that trend this year.

"The installation commander [Col. Roman L. Hund] has the authority to initiate a Juvenile Corrections Board to rehabilitate dependent children living on base before their behavior requires intervention from local police,” said Lt. Col. Kenneth Ferland, 66th Air Base Group deputy commander, whose office chairs the JCB.

In addition to the deputy commander, other JCB members include representatives from Youth Services, Security Forces and the Legal Office.

“The purpose of the program is to review incidents of misconduct committed by juveniles and decide on a course of action,” Ferland said. “The JCB is a formal hearing designed to provide minors with an opportunity to present any information or comments in the presence of their legal guardian.”

Ferland highlighted the program’s primary focus is on correcting the behavior of Hanscom’s youth.

“Misconduct is defined as a violation of a statute, laws, regulation or instruction,” he said. “Participation is voluntary; however, all juveniles and/or parents who do not choose to participate in the JCB process may be subject to other actions, including barment from the installation.”

According to the Legal Office, the installation commander may suspend or revoke the base privileges of any juvenile or adult whose behavior is inappropriate or detrimental to good order and discipline.

"Living on Hanscom is a privilege and the JCB is a resource for base leadership and parents to use,” said Capt. Matthew Mackay, assistant staff judge advocate. “The privileges the installation commander may revoke include Commissary and AAFES privileges, base housing privileges or even the privilege to enter Hanscom Air Force Base, in the most severe cases."

If the board members determine the alleged offense was committed, offenders may receive reprimands ranging from apology essays to community service. For more severe and repeat offenses, offenders may even be banned from the base, which may force a family to move off base.

Throughout the summer, members of the 66 SFS will increase patrols throughout housing and other areas on base to ensure a climate of safety and rapport among the base populace.

Additionally, SFS personnel will actively enforce the base’s youth curfew policy.

“Children under the age of 18 who are unaccompanied by an adult are restricted from being outdoors Sunday through Thursday from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. and Friday and Saturday from midnight to 6 a.m.,” said Tech. Sgt. Michelle Armour, noncommissioned officer in charge of Police Services.

Parents are encouraged to promote participation in summer youth programs at the Youth Center or involvement in other programs off base. Parents should also enforce curfew and be familiar with on-base policies.

To learn more about programs at the Youth Center, call 781-225-6043 or visit http://www.hanscomfss.com/YouthCenter.asp.  

To learn more about the Juvenile Correction Board Program, review 66th Air Base Group Instruction 31-801.