Crimes > Reporting an offence > Suspects > Suspects who are minors

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Suspects who are minors

In a pre-trial investigation, a person under the age of 18 is considered a child and treated as such. By law, children must be treated in a pre-trial investigation in a manner consistent with their age and level of development. In particular, care must be taken to ensure that no unnecessary harm is caused to a child at school, in the workplace or in any other environment important to him/her.

The police are not permitted to interview a suspect who is under the age of 18 unless in the presence of a witness. In investigating an offence suspected of having been committed by a child, the police will, wherever possible, use officers who have experience in such work. Where necessary, the police must also seek the advice of a physician or other expert on the child's involvement in the investigative measures.

The police may also interview a suspect who is under the age of 15. In this case, provision shall be made for his/her parent, guardian or legal representative to be present during the interview. An exception can be made in situations where it is essential for the investigation that the person be interviewed without delay. In such cases the person's representative will be notified of the interview as soon as possible.

When a child is interviewed as a suspect, the municipal social welfare board will normally be given an opportunity to supply a representative to attend the interview The board will also be supplied with the official record of the interview (examination record).

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