This study used a multimethod approach to examine the presence, content, and outcomes of law enforcement policies regarding the arrest of children in Florida, a state lacking a minimum age for juvenile court jurisdiction. Policies were found to be rare, and located predominantly in larger agencies and agencies serving larger populations. Content analyses indicated policies also allowed for substantial discretion among officers and supervisors. According to results of propensity score models, implementation of state-level policies providing minimum ages for juvenile court jurisdiction may be necessary to reduce childhood justice system contact and involvement. In the absence of state-level policies, law enforcement agencies should adopt and implement restrictive, clear policies regarding arrests involving children and provide training on child development and its effects on culpability, competence, and suitability for justice system referral to better prepare officers for arrest scenarios involving children.

本研究采用多种方法来考察佛罗里达州有关逮捕儿童的执法政策的存在、内容和结果，该州没有少年法庭管辖的最低年龄。人们发现政策很少见，并且主要集中在较大的机构和为更多人口服务的机构中。内容分析表明，政策还允许官员和主管拥有很大的自由裁量权。根据倾向评分模型的结果，可能有必要实施规定少年法庭管辖最低年龄的州级政策，以减少儿童司法系统的接触和参与。在没有国家级政策的情况下，执法机构应采取并实施限制性、