The Juvenile Justice Panel targets youth whom police have arrested. Primarily designed for minors committing their first criminal offense, the panel provides prompt intervention and diversion as alternatives to the formal juvenile criminal justice system. Participation in the program involves a commitment from the offender and the offender's parents. Should either decline the offer to participate, the case is formally processed through the juvenile court system. The panel, consisting of community members, a peer representative and the program coordinator meet weekly to discuss cases.

Volunteers participate in the department's weekly juvenile offender hearings. These volunteers sit on a panel to hear first time juvenile offenders and determine consequences for these juveniles. While most of these volunteers are working adult members of the community, there may also be student peers who sit on the panel.