Chatham-Kent's police chief is addressing some concerns about young offenders.
That's after two 12-year-old Chatham boys were arrested after separate incidents this month -- they were both charged with assault and one was also charged with stealing a motor vehicle.
Chief Gary Conn says their identities are protected under the Youth Criminal Justice Act for a reason.
"I understand that the publication of their names and what charges they are facing can act as a deterrent," says Conn "But you have to remember that we're dealing with children and that appreciating the consequences in regards to their actions is not really calculated."
While young offenders aren't often tried as adults, police don't give them any special treatment.
"Certainly for the violent ones... an officer will treat them just as they would an adult in regards to officer and public safety," Conn says. "When I say that, I'm referring to hand-cuffing the individual, doing a thorough methodical search on the individual to ensure that there are no other weapons and that there is no other evidence on the individual."
The Federal Department of Justice's website states that the youth justice system "affects individuals between the ages of 12 and 17 who get into trouble with the law" and that its "goal is to ensure a fair and effective youth justice system."
