Upon arriving at a receiving facility after a juvenile arrest, what should the officer do?

Upon arriving at a receiving facility after a juvenile arrest, the officer's primary responsibility is to ensure that the juvenile is assessed appropriately and that their parents or guardians are notified. Contacting the Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) is a crucial step because they are equipped to evaluate the juvenile's situation and determine the necessary actions for rehabilitation or further processing. Additionally, reaching out to the parents ensures that they are informed and can take necessary steps to support their child.

This approach aligns with the juvenile justice system's emphasis on rehabilitation rather than punishment. Involving DJJ allows for a more comprehensive assessment of the juvenile's needs, which can lead to better outcomes for the youth. Moreover, parental involvement is essential in the juvenile justice process, as it supports the family unit and encourages positive changes.

Other actions such as contacting a lawyer for the juvenile or calling the juvenile's school may be important but are not immediate priorities upon arrival at the receiving facility. Similarly, filing a report with the local police department is a procedural task but does not directly address the immediate needs of the juvenile. Therefore, the most effective and relevant action in this scenario is to contact DJJ for assessment and attempt to reach the parents.