PRESENT: Chairman: Darcy. Members: Donovan, Wishnie, Mosiello, Stewart-Cousins. Staff: Don Sandford, Deputy Clerk-BOL; Megan Perry, Correction Department, Emilia Vita, Secretary.

ALSO PRESENT: Ursula G. LaMotte, Legislator, District 2; Police Officer Chris Menzel, Bedford P.D.-Youth Court Officer; Salvatore Lagonia, New Castle P.D.-Youth Court Officer/Attorney.

The meeting was called to order at 11:00 a.m. by Chairman Darcy.

The following minutes were moved and approved by a 5-0 vote: February 3, Wishnie moved, Mosiello seconded; February 10, Mosiello moved, Wishnie seconded; February 19 [4-0], Mosiello moved, Donovan seconded, Wishnie abstained because he was not present at that meeting.

Chairman Darcy introduced agenda Item A, as suggested by Legislator LaMotte to be discussed with Youth Court Officer Menzel from Bedford and Officer Lagonia from New Castle. The Chair mentioned that New Rochelle has a program in place, Mount Vernon had one, but due to reduce staffing, it no longer exists. Legislator Stewart-Cousins said Yonkers has an active program as well.

Officer Menzel gave a brief history of the program and his role as the Youth officer in the Town of Bedford.

• The program started in 1981 and it keeps kids out of the system;
• Occasional arrests are made with punishment, for 16 year olds and under
• The decision where to send them are made by Family Court, and the are non-violent, first time offenders, assaults or possession of BB gun
• Presently, the court consists of 40 students from Fox Lane, John Jay and Kennedy Catholic schools;
• At least one dozen students graduate and are replaced yearly;
• They are trained for 11 to 14 weeks for positions such as prosecution and defense attorneys; judge, jury, bailiff, etc.;
• They meet once a week to learn the system, with a local town justice for defense attorneys and a volunteer from the DA’s office guides them for prosecution;
• Students become certified, receives a certificate of achievement and carries an I.D. card. They receive the benefits of education of the system.
• Parents all agree to consent to Youth Court. A real court room is used for authenticity. Students receive an appearance ticket, failure to results in notification to Probation Youth Division;

• Prosecutor and defense attorneys subpoenas witnesses (i.e. store managers, security guards, etc.), They also argue the cases and the jury deems punishment;
• Punishment is set for at least 50 hours of community service, which the Youth Officer oversees. It includes midnight runs with local churches, wash cars, or community center work.

Officer Menzel offered one downfall, joint efforts with the Town of Mt. Kisco because of liability problems. He said a Steering Committee combined of seven students, oversee the training and facilitating. An Executive Committeeconsisting of himself, Legislator LaMotte and several committee members, that include attorneys, oversee real court procedures are followed.

Chairman Darcy asked of the effectiveness and how frequently are crimes committed. Officer Menzel said there was one repeat offender and returned to Probation because it was a drug abuse problem, which they do not handle.

Funding is provided from Officer Menzel’s time and voluntary town resources provide flyers, brochures (copy on file) and letterhead.

If a youth commits a misdemeanor, it is under Officer Menzel’s authority and discretion how to handle. Any type of felony, it is under the jurisdiction of the Probation Department.

Officer Lagonia of New Castle said there are two problems with implementation. First there are not enough cases to handle and second, the Town is apprehensive because of additional liability and will not honor a program unless ordered by a judge.

Legislator Wishnie suggested a Home Rule Message be prepared to appeal to the State to motivate this process.

Chairman Darcy thanked the Officers for their time and information and will review further details. He has hope that more communities will be able to get this type of program in place.

On the motion of Legislator Darcy, seconded by Legislator Mosiello, the meeting adjourned at 12 p.m..