NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Shootings, stabbings, carjackings and the list goes on – more kids in Nashville are committing more serious crimes. The question is: What to do?
Former Metro Juvenile Court Judge Betty Adams Green is speaking out.
"Juvenile is probably the toughest court to do right," said Green.
Green started her career as a teacher in Tullahoma. Then, over more than four decades, she worked with disadvantage and at-risk youth in Middle Tennessee, including 14-years as Davidson County Juvenile Court judge. She retired in 2012.
She was respected and known for a firm hand, or gavel, when it came to holding kids accountable.
Green sees what’s happening with juvenile crime and believes the same ideas that worked during her time on the bench still apply today – and that trends are cyclical.
Yes, there must be treatment but also consequences.
"One without the other is not going to work," said Green.
She also believes a lack of consequences explains some shocking numbers recently released by Metro Nashville police.
In the past year, officers have arrested more than 200 minors. Yes, there were misdemeanors but also 300 felonies.
Some 45 percent of those young people were arrested at least one other time, some as many as 10 times.
"I think the protection of the community is equal to the treatment and rehabilitation of a juvenile," said Green.
Green says repeat offenders escalating to more serious crimes is one sign they don't fear consequences.
Pre-trial diversion and counseling can work in some cases, but others need community service or time in juvenile lock-up.
"If you put all of your focus on treatment and forget about safety of the community then the balance is skewed," said Green.
She also offers this to crack down on youth crime: "In juvenile court, we've always said that about 5 percent of the kids commit 95 percent of the crime. If you can identify that five percent you can cut drastically.”
Identify and sometimes lock them up but don't give up.
"It's very important you not just lock them up, but also provide treatment and rehabilitation piece," said Green.
She believes the consequences will get their attention so then it's more likely they'll buy into treatment and not commit more crimes.
