The Metropolitan Police Department announced Tuesday a new policy about juveniles in a statement, saying it will stop handcuffing children who are 12 years old or younger.
However, there may be exceptions to the new rule in the event of a danger to the child or other people.
The announcement was also made by Metropolitan Police Department Chief Peter Newsham.
“It used to be the default to handcuff a juvenile,” Newsham said, addressing the D.C. Council. “Now, the default will be to not place handcuffs on juveniles aged 12 and under unless the juvenile presents a danger to themselves or others.”
The police will use discretion in handcuffing juveniles aged from 13 to 17 based on the severity of the offense they are accused of and circumstances of the interaction.
“MPD recognizes that juveniles are different than adults both physically and psychologically, and that interactions with police can have a significant impact on youth,” the statement said, adding that the department intends “to ensure that all interactions with juveniles are respectful.”
“Each interaction with a juvenile is an opportunity to strengthen community relationships while protecting our youth,” Newsham was quoted as saying. “The nature and circumstances of contacts with police can have a lasting impression on a young person.”
The decision came in response to a number of recent incidents captured on videos where teenagers were detained by D.C. police officers, who used handcuffs.
A 10-year-old boy was put in handcuffs near Union Station in April. It was followed by a 15-year-old girl and her 10-year-old brother, who were detained in Columbia Heights for selling food on the street in November 2019.
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