With the assistance of CCTV cameras and residential doorbell cameras, Cobourg police say they’ve identified two youths allegedly involved in a mischief investigation linked to a TikTok challenge.
The two 13-year-old youths are subject to extrajudicial measures and sanctions in lieu of criminal charges, said police, in a release issued Thursday, Feb. 15.
“To correct misinformation currently circulating, we are providing the following information on the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA),” said the Cobourg Police Service, while explaining under the YCJA, youth who commit offences should be dealt with outside the courts utilizing extrajudicial measures.
“This diversionary program is an opportunity for youth to take responsibility for their actions and repair the harm they have caused the victim and community. Extrajudicial measures play a crucial role in our approach to youth justice.”
In any incident involving youth, police must consider extrajudicial measures, added the service. Examples of extrajudicial measures may include volunteer work, compensating victims, or participating in specialized programs, noted police.
These alternatives aim to promote learning and rehabilitation, reintegration into the community, and prevention of further offences by the youth, explained police.
Failure to adhere to extrajudicial sanctions would reengage youth in the normal court process, noted police.
“As chief, I expect all our investigations to be victim-centred,” said Chief Paul VandeGraaf. “I am proud of all our front-line staff who did great work identifying the responsible youths and ensuring they are accountable within the principles and conditions of the YCJA.
“I am confident that the extrajudicial measures, (which are) managed by Rebound Child and Youth Services, will be successful,” added VandeGraaf, in CPS’ release.
When touching on online challenges in the release, the service said such challenges often target youth and can pose serious risks.
“Some challenges encourage harmful and sometimes criminal behaviours. Kids and teens may unknowingly put themselves in dangerous or illegal situations driven by the desire for online recognition.”
Police continue to encourage all to learn about risks associated with such challenges, to stay informed and talk to kids about safe choices.
For age-appropriate resources for staying safe online, police recommend visiting the Canadian Centre for Child Protection at www.protectchildren.ca/en/resources-research/online-safety/.
Police also continue to encourage residents to take note of CPS’ community camera registry program. This is a voluntary registry of CCTV cameras and doorbell cams in town; this helps police quickly locate security cameras that may have captured footage related to incidents.
To learn more and register a camera, visit cobourgpoliceservice.com.
(Written by: Sarah Hyatt)
