Crist: routine shackling of juvenile suspects is wrong

CURT ANDERSON
Associated Press
MIAMI - Gov.-elect Charlie Crist said Friday it is wrong for all juvenile offenders to be routinely shackled in chains by the Department of Juvenile Justice when they make court appearances.

Crist, in an interview with Associated Press reporters and editors, said he favored an individualized determination, which is precisely what opponents of routine juvenile shackling want.

"I think it's only fair to judge these things on a case-by-case basis," Crist said.

State policy generally requires that juvenile offenders, regardless of age, size or the seriousness of their offenses, be brought to court wearing handcuffs, leg irons and belly chains.

"With that premise, if accurate, no matter what the offense we do this, that's wrong, in my view," Crist said in the interview.

Department of Juvenile Justice officials say the chains are necessary for public safety and contend that it is not a blanket policy. But Florida Bar members and public defenders around the state say the youthful shackling appears routine in virtually every Florida courthouse.

A bill is being drafted for introduction in the Legislature next year to ban indiscriminate shackling, requiring that chains be used only if a judge finds they are necessary. The Florida Bar Board of Governors is scheduled next week to discuss the issue.

Carlos Martinez, chief assistant public defender in Miami-Dade County, called Crist's comments "wonderful" and said they should help focus greater public attention. Martinez and others say shackling violates juvenile offenders' rights and runs counter to the goal of rehabilitation.

"I think it's excellent that the governor-elect is taking the correct legal position. Unless there's been a determination that a child is dangerous, that the kids shouldn't be shackled indiscriminately," Martinez said.

Crist, a Republican who has served the last four years as attorney general, is scheduled to take office Jan. 2