Commander addresses youth misconduct

  • Published
  • By Mark Wyatt
  • 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. --  The base commander has a tool to address juvenile misconduct on base called the Juvenile Correction Board. The purpose of the JCB is to review incidents of misconduct committed by juveniles on base and decide on a course of action to maintain good order and discipline for base residents.

"We've had an increase of youth related issues throughout the past year that have warranted the group to take action," said Col. Juan Gaud, 66th Air Base Group deputy commander. "When incidents of misconduct occur, the JCB decides on the necessary steps to ensure further misconduct does not happen again. The 66th Air Base Group commander is committed to maintaining the well being of all personnel on base."

The JCB can decide on several courses of action. Juveniles may receive as little as a reprimand, be required to write an essay, make a verbal or written apology or perform community service. The board may also decide on more significant action such as requiring the offender to reimburse the installation for damages or the offender can even be banned from base housing.

Chaired by the 66th Air Base Group deputy commander, other members include a judge advocate and representatives from the 66th Security Forces Squadron, Life Skills and Youth Services.

Once an alleged juvenile misconduct occurs and is received by a reliable source, such as the security forces blotter, incident reports or witness statements, the deputy commander, with advice from the judge advocate, determine whether the JCB should consider the case.

"Many of the incidents that have taken place are simply the result of kids with too much time on their hands," said Gaud. "It's also the result of peer pressure from older kids encouraging younger kids to make poor decisions."

The JCB was initiated three times this summer to standardize disciplinary services and procedures in response to juvenile misconduct on base. Board officials expect to review an additional six cases this fall.

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