[tunanut]

Thanks fellas. I get unfortunate privilege of dealing with this more than most and the DA gives me some leeway and any decision is made in concert with him. He's prior service, knows me well, and trusts my judgement. If the kids have been in trouble before, they don't get a break, period. LEO's were involved yesterday and the boy got to feel what it's like riding in the back seat, it's never pleasant. I've really got to thank the officers, they do a real good job around here when dealing with kids that make bad decisions. It goes out of my hands when I go down to the magistrate's office to swear out a warrant, then the judicial system takes over. I usually make that decision after I've met the parents. If I sense any attitude or apathy, I let the law run it's course. If the parents are embarrassed, cooperative and agreeable to some forced labor, I give the kids a chance to learn a lesson without getting it on their record.

My store has a 32 camera system, nothing goes unrecorded. I've already have two coming for some dirty work next Sunday for stealing candy, I just add a third kid to the workforce. The kid and his dad had obviously had a heart to heart, both were red faced and teary eyed. I listened to his apology and felt the kid deserves a chance to work his was out of the jam he put himself into.

I continue to use these incidents to teach my kids about making good decisions, both in what you do and who you hang out with.