Abstract
This study analyzes data collected on juveniles arrested in Escambia County and Santa Rosa County, Florida, from January 01, 2002 through June 30, 2002. The purpose of this research is to develop a profile of arrestees to better inform public policy in the region and in the State of Florida. Establishing a profile and comparison of juvenile arrestees is an especially timely project in Florida since the state recently cut funding for some juvenile justice initiatives, and is proposing additional cuts in FY2004. Juvenile arrestees (n=301) processed for intake at the Escambia County Juvenile Assessment Center (JAC) were selected from a random sample of 30 days. Data were drawn from Florida's Juvenile Justice Information System. Findings include a comprehensive profile of offenses, dispositions, and commitments of the juvenile arrestees, including comparisons across demographics, offense, and criminal history. Using profile comparisons, the authors discuss the impact of funding on Florida's juvenile justice system.

Julie C. Kunselman, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice, University of West Florida
Julie Kunselman is assistant professor of Criminal Justice specializing in policy and data analysis, research methods and juvenile justice. Professor Kunselman has a bachelor's in mathematics from Gannon University. She earned a Master of Public Administration and a doctorate of Philosophy in Urban and Public Affairs from the University of Louisville. Her dissertation was a post-impact analysis of Kentucky's Persistent Felony Offender legislation. Currently, Dr. Kunselman's research agenda includes conducting impact analyses of several different state criminal statutes. Professor Kunselman is a member of the Southern Criminal Justice Association and the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences.

Kimberly M. Tatum, J.D.
Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice and Legal Studies, University of West Florida
Kimberly Tatum is the Assistant Professor in the Division of Criminal Justice and Legal Studies. She has a bachelor's degree from Louisiana State University and earned a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Florida in 1998.