One piece of legislation they’re supporting will seek more oversight when it comes to arresting youth over issues like carjackings.
Bates says they are working to speed up the process after a teen is arrested to make sure action is swift and closure is brought to victims.
“Before the victim is even spoken to or talked to, the case may be 60 days or older,” Bates said. “That poor victim has had their car stolen, they’ve paid restitution, they’ve paid their insurance, they’ve done all of that, and now they are asked to be part of the process. For our young people, the research says they have swift and certain consequences and that’s what we are trying to make sure we do.”