Portsmouth police officers faced a challenging situation on Tuesday when they were called to the area of Auburn and Harding at 1:45 PM to take a young child into custody. The child was then transported back to East Portsmouth Elementary, where officers contacted Juvenile Court for further instruction.
After the formal arrest, the child was taken to Southern Ohio Medical Center for evaluation before being booked at the police station. Since Scioto County does not have its own juvenile detention facility, a Scioto County Sheriff’s Deputy transported the child to a group home in Lawrence County.
A Delicate Line for Officers
Incidents involving children present a unique challenge for law enforcement. Officers must balance accountability and public safety with the understanding that young offenders require careful handling. Juvenile cases demand a gentler approach, ensuring that children are not unnecessarily traumatized while still addressing any legal concerns.
Unlike adult offenders, juveniles in Scioto County cannot be held locally because there are no juvenile detention facilities. Instead, young offenders must be housed in other counties, either in detention centers or group homes. This adds extra complexity for law enforcement, social workers, and families navigating the juvenile justice system.
What Happens Next?
Once a juvenile is taken into custody, several factors determine their placement:
✅ Severity of the offense – Some may be placed in secure detention, while others go to group homes.
✅ Mental and physical well-being – Medical evaluations ensure the child is fit for placement.
✅ Court orders – Juvenile Court decides the next steps based on the child’s background and legal standing.
As Scioto County continues to lack local juvenile facilities, law enforcement must continue walking a fine line—balancing discipline with compassion while ensuring young offenders receive the help they need.