Bill mandates psych tests for animal-abusing, gun-toting youths

Jennifer Coleman

Wednesday, April 21, 1999 | 9:27 a.m.

CARSON CITY - Youths who torture animals or use guns to commit crimes could face psychological examinations, under a bill heard Tuesday by a Senate panel.

AB221 was one of four juvenile justice bills reviewed by the Senate Judiciary Committee.

The bill would require local jurisdictions to focus on children who may have serious psychological problems and be victims of abuse themselves, said the bill's author, Assemblyman Bernie Anderson.

Under the bill, children brought in for gun or animal abuse offenses would be detained until they're evaluated - a process that could take up to three days. After that, they could return to their families if a judge allows it.

"The more we can identify the individuals in society with the propensity to commit crimes, abusive crimes, the better off we are," said Anderson, D-Sparks.

The proposal would give local authorities a tool to spot potential problems, said Dr. Richard Simmons, the veterinarian for the state's university system. He said there's usually a link between abuse of animals and abuse in the offender's family.

No one spoke against the bill during the Senate hearing. Later, a conservative assemblywoman who opposed the bill when it passed the Assembly two weeks ago said detaining children for up to three days wasn't a big concern for her.

"To me, I didn't see this as an animal rights bill. I see it as a gun control bill," said Assemblywoman Sharron Angle, R-Reno, adding there are legitimate reasons - such as hunting - for a minor to have a gun.

"I'm sure after the shooting in Colorado today, this issue will become very emotional again," she added.

Another bill heard Tuesday would give judges authority to order children who have committed their first nonviolent crime into so-called "cognitive training" courses. Under AB229, children would be placed in these classes as an alternative to juvenile lockup.

"One problem with gangs is we can't divert them from gang activity early enough," said Las Vegas Metro Lt. Stan Olsen, adding that similar courses are already taught to adult offenders.

"Juvenile offenders aren't getting these skills anywhere else," said Olsen, also representing the Nevada Sheriffs and Chiefs Association.

The bill says the classes should teach juvenile offenders about "habits, attitudes and conditioning; self-conditioning processes; developing a successful way of life; the process of solving problems; emotions and emotional blocks; assurances and demonstrative maturity; family success; family relationships; interfamilial understanding and communications; financial stability; effective communications; and obtaining and retaining employment."

Olsen said the programs for adult criminals reduced recidivism 65 percent for nonviolent, first-time offenders.

Sen. Valerie Wiener, D-Las Vegas, suggested the program also include anger management and conflict resolution.

Assemblyman David Parks, D-Las Vegas, asked the Senate panel to consider a bill that would give police officers more leeway in notifying the parents of minors who are arrested. The current law says police must immediately notify the parents. Parks' bill, AB262, would change that to say the police must contact the parents "without undue delay."