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NYC Probation Department Offers Comic Book For Juvenile Offenders

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) - The New York City Probation Department is throwing the book at juvenile offenders -- a comic book, that is.

All kids 16 and younger who show up in family court on a criminal charge get handed a copy of the comic, titled "I Got Arrested! Now What?"

A Probation Department spokesman told the New York Post that they give one out to every young person and their parent who comes through the system.

WCBS 880's Monica Miller reports

Podcast

The comic features the story of a boy named Chris, dressed in low-slung jeans. He gets taken into police custody as his two friends hop a fence and get away.

The city bills the comic as a guide to the juvenile justice system, giving kids a sense of what's happening as they go through the legal process.

But critics said the comic is filled with offensive stereotypes and cliches, which can make innocent kids feel like they're regarded and treated like criminals.

Do you think the comic book is a helpful guide, or do you think it should be scrapped? Sound off in the comments section below...

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