School is out for the summer

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Paul Cram and Senior Airman Lasharee Johnson
  • 66th Security Forces Squadron
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. --  The end of the school year is among us. With clear skies in the forecast and children out of school for the summer, the time marks one of the busiest of the year for the 66th Security Forces Squadron. An increase in both minor and major crimes involving youth on base have spiked the past two years after school is dismissed.

To help correct and deter potential youth violators, the 66th Air Base Group commander has renewed the Juvenile Corrections Board Program. The program will be chaired by Lt. Col. Romero Reid, the 66th Air Base Group deputy commander, along with other key members from organizations such as Youth Services, Security Forces and the legal office.

"Living on Hanscom is a privilege and the JCB is an excellent resource for parents to use to rehabilitate youthful offenders before their behavior requires intervention from local police," said Reid. "The JCB is another method to bolster the safety and security of Team Hanscom."

When a dependent under the age of 18 is charged with an offense, he or she will be referred to a JCB hearing if they meet the criteria. The purpose of the JCB is to review incidents of misconduct committed by juveniles and decide on a course of action. The JCB is a formal hearing designed to provide the minor with an opportunity to present any information or comments on their behalf in the presence of their legal guardian.

"The 66th Air Base Group commander may suspend or revoke the base privileges of any juvenile or adult whose behavior is deemed inappropriate or detrimental to good order and discipline," said Capt. Grant Gardner, 66th Air Base Group Legal Office. "The privileges that may be revoked include AAFES privileges, base housing privileges, and the privilege to enter Hanscom Air Force Base."

Though participation is not mandatory, the process is detrimental to the course of action taken by the board while instilling a sense of repercussion among youth on base. If determined the alleged offenses were committed, they may receive reprimands ranging from apology essays, community service or under the more severe and repeat offenses, base barment, which could force a family to move off base.

Throughout the summer, Security Forces will increase patrols throughout housing and other areas on base while ensuring a climate of safety and rapport among the base populace.

A youth curfew will be actively enforced by Security Forces. Children under the age of 18 who are unaccompanied without 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.

Parents should actively promote participation in summer youth programs, the enforcement of curfew regulations and staying knowledgeable on base policies.

For more information on the Juvenile Correction Board, please review the 66th Air Base Group Instruction 31-801.