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In order to best fulfil their functions, police officers who frequently or exclusively deal with
juveniles or who are primarily engaged in the prevention of juvenile crime shall be specially
instructed and trained. In large cities, special police units should be established for that purpose.
10. Detention pending trial
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shall be used only as a measure of last resort and for the shortest possible period of time.
Whenever possible, shall be replaced by alternative measures, such as close supervision,
intensive care or placement with a family or in an educational setting or home.
Juveniles shall be entitled to all rights and guarantees of the Standard Minimum Rules for the
Treatment of Prisoners adopted by the United Nations.
Juveniles shall be kept separate from adults and shall be detained in a separate institution or in
a separate part of an institution also holding adults.
While in custody, juveniles shall receive care, protection and all necessary individual assistancesocial, educational, vocational, psychological, medical and physical-that they may require in
view of their age, sex and personality.
11. ADJUDICATION AND DISPOSITION
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Competent authority to adjudicate
Throughout the proceedings the juvenile shall have the right to be represented by a legal
adviser or to apply for free legal aid where there is provision for such aid in the country.
The parents or the guardian shall be entitled to participate in the proceedings and may be
required by the competent authority to attend them in the interest of the juvenile. They may,
however, be denied participation by the competent authority if there are reasons to assume
that such exclusion is necessary in the interest of the juvenile.
12. Social inquiry reports
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In all cases except those involving minor offences, before the competent authority renders a
final disposition prior to sentencing, the background and circumstances in which the juvenile is
living or the conditions under which the offence has been committed shall be properly
investigated so as to facilitate judicious adjudication of the case by the competent authority.
13. Guiding principles in adjudication and disposition
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The disposition of the competent authority shall be guided by the following principles:
( a ) The reaction taken shall always be in proportion not only to the circumstances and the
gravity of the offence but also to the circumstances and the needs of the juvenile as well as to
the needs of the society;
( b ) Restrictions on the personal liberty of the juvenile shall be imposed only after careful
consideration and shall be limited to the possible minimum;