The quality of life Fort Lauderdale residents enjoy is negatively impacted by crime occurring in the City. Occurrences of crime, however, are one portion of a larger criminal justice issue.
Concerns regarding criminal justice, particularly the juvenile justice system, follow below.
The City should lobby the State Legislature to fund juvenile services, facilities, and operating expenses. More alternatives should be provided to encourage youth involvement in productive activities. Juvenile detention centers should be integrated with educational services. The consequences of crime should serve as more of a deterrent. Parents should be held accountable for their children's crimes and should have to make restitution.