Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) has been named best in the state for its civil citation efforts for the second consecutive year. According to “Stepping Up: Florida’s Top Juvenile Civil Citation Efforts” 2016 report, M-DCPS ranks number one in terms of utilization of civil citations, calculated by using the percentage of eligible students who received a civil citation.
The study indicates that the increased use of civil citations results in significant benefits to the youth’s futures, taxpayers, and public safety. Additionally, new data revealed in the study demonstrates that arresting juveniles instead of issuing civil citations produces more reoffenders, even when the arrest leads to diversion programs.
“This achievement is a combination of effective policies and our ability to provide students with a disciplinary alternative to arrests and suspensions. Suspending a student, who is already at risk of not graduating due to his or her behavior, inadvertently magnifies the problem,” said Schools Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho.
“At Miami-Dade County Public Schools, we have found a better solution, sending those students to success centers where we reinforce values and positive behavior. We also ensure learning continues with one-on-one instruction so students don’t fall behind in class.”
The District ranks right above Pinellas, Broward and Bay counties. M-DCPS used civil citations 91 percent of the time, when possible. The results were supported by state and national juvenile justice advocates and organizations.
“We are happy to see that our understanding of a well-designed training program for school resource officers is showing results,” said Miami-Dade Schools Police Chief Ian A. Moffett. “Our police force knows that citations allow our youngsters to get a second chance and our role is to serve and protect their future while eliminating the student going to a prison pipeline here in Miami-Dade.”