Chatham-Kent police reports it has received several complaints and inquiries concerning videos circulating on social media showing a physical altercation between two youths in our community.
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“It’s important to clarify that both individuals involved are under the age of 12,” police said in media release issued Tuesday.
Following a thorough investigation, conducted in collaboration with relevant community agencies, no charges have been laid in this matter, police said.
“In accordance with the Youth Criminal Justice Act, youths aged 12 to 18 years old may be charged criminally for committed offenses; however, officers are required to explore extrajudicial measures before proceeding with formal charges,” police said.
“These measures focus on rehabilitation and accountability rather than punitive action, recognizing the potential for positive development in young individuals,” police added.
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It was also noted by police that children under the age of 12 cannot be charged with criminal offenses in Canada.
In such cases, officers document the details of the incident, issue a bail and provide guidance and supports to the parent(s), police added.
Chatham-Kent police said it remains committed to working with the community to foster a safe environment for our youth, emphasizing prevention and education while holding individuals accountable for their actions.
“We encourage parents and guardians to engage in open dialogue with their children about the consequences of criminal behavior and the importance of making positive choices,” police said.
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