Prepare for the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES) Exam with multiple choice questions and detailed explanations. Enhance your law enforcement career prospects with our comprehensive study guide!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.


Which of the following is NOT a reason for taking a juvenile into custody?

  1. Being in a dangerous environment

  2. Being a runaway

  3. Being charged with a traffic violation

  4. Being a danger to themselves or others

The correct answer is: Being charged with a traffic violation

Taking a juvenile into custody typically falls under several legal and protective considerations aimed at ensuring their safety and the safety of others. Situations that involve being in a dangerous environment, being a runaway, or being a danger to themselves or others are all valid reasons for intervention. These circumstances suggest that the juvenile may not be in a situation conducive to their well-being or safety, necessitating protective action from law enforcement or social services. On the other hand, being charged with a traffic violation does not inherently imply a need for custody. Traffic violations, particularly those not involving criminal behavior or significant risk to safety, are generally managed through citations or fines rather than custody. This distinction is crucial, as custody actions are meant to address immediate risks or vulnerabilities, while traffic violations can often be resolved without removing the juvenile from their environment. This is why being charged with a traffic violation stands out as not aligning with the typical justifications for custody.