Court Officials Change Transport Policy

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Court officials in Broward County have drafted a policy that will end the practice of escorting juveniles on their way to court through the county jail.

When juveniles are escorted through the adult facility, a violation of state and federal law, they are sometimes harassed and intimidated by inmates, according to reports.

In addition, the Department of Juvenile Justice will have the right to decide if a juvenile should be shackled during court appearances. The juveniles will continue to be transported between the Broward Regional Detention Center and the courthouse in shackles, but the shackles will be removed in an outer room before the defendant’s appearance, if the offender is deemed to not be a flight risk.