Number of juvenile repeat offenders increases in Oklahoma

By Staff Writer

Young criminals in Oklahoma County are being arrested more often and staying longer at the juvenile detention center, recent data reveals.

The Oklahoman reports that about 60 percent of the offenders ages nine to 17 have been to the county's juvenile center before. In addition, the average length of stay has gradually increased because 20 percent of the children stayed for a month or more, which is a 5 percent increase from last year.

Juveniles are brought into the detention facility for a variety of reasons, including assault, burglary, rape, motor vehicle violations and domestic abuse. The juvenile bureau director said that the crimes are increasing in severity and many repeat offenders are violating probation terms.

A growing gang problem is a contributing factor to the increase of teen criminal activity, the director added. The news provider reports that the county devotes about $7 million per year to fund services at the center.

The National Center for Juvenile Detention reports that 37 percent of high school and 31 percent of middle school principals report gang activity in their schools.