SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, Hawaii -- When it comes to getting wayward youth back on track, the U.S. Army Garrison-Hawaii Juvenile Review Board is ready to step in and do its part.
The JRB is made up of professionals from USAG-HI community services, directorates and other organizations, all coming together to help youngsters, and it is a strong advocate in setting Army youth in Hawaii straight.
The types of infractions committed by juveniles vary from underage drinking, criminal property damage, home break-ins, trespassing, assault, school bus misconduct and harassment.
Shoplifting is also among the crimes committed, despite the many cameras and presence of plain-clothes security personnel at Army and Air Force Exchange Service facilities. Shoplifters' Exchange privileges can be suspended if they are caught.
"Through the efforts of the JRB, we would like to curb the shoplifting incidents by the word-of-mouth sharing of those young people that came before the board in previous sessions," Wayne Yoshino said.
Yoshino has been a board member for nine years.
"By informing their friends and classmates of the embarrassment, parents' presence at the sessions and the consequences faced, these young people can certainly help deter this unnecessary crime on base," he said. "Shoplifters are hurting their own military community and bringing shame to the Army families.
"The best marketing tool we have are those young people that have come before us and endured the consequences," Yoshino added. "Videos, posters and verbal messages can only do so much. Hopefully, our parents will instill honesty and trustworthiness in our youngsters that will deter this shameful crime among our young people."
Mandatory participation in community service projects is required after a youth appears before the JRB.
Social Sharing