The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention is a component of the Office of Justice Programs, which also includes the Bureau of Justice Assistance, the Bureau of Justice Statistics, the National Institute of Justice, and the Office for Victims of Crime.

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From the Administrator While juvenile violence has been declining in recent years, its level remains unacceptable, as recent headlines have underscored. We know that the overwhelming majority of homicides committed by juveniles involve firearms and that an alarming number of students are coming to school armed. In the course of a single academic year, more than 100,000 students are likely to have carried a gun to school. These disturbing events and statistics demand our comprehensive response. Public officials, community leaders, and other concerned citizens must work together to reduce juvenile gun violence. As most States restrict or prohibit the possession of firearms by juveniles, a key element in a campaign to combat gun violence is the strict enforcement of such laws and the effective prosecution of those who violate them. This Bulletin provides helpful information about steps taken by the Seattle [Washington] Police Department and the Prosecutor’s Office in King County, Washington, to strengthen the investigation and prosecution of juvenile firearm offenders. It is my hope that this information will enhance efforts to end juvenile gun violence and its tragic toll across the Nation. John J. Wilson Acting Administrator