What does the term "juvenile" refer to in law enforcement?

In law enforcement, the term "juvenile" specifically refers to individuals who are under 18 years of age. This designation is critical because it pertains to how the law treats individuals in this age group differently than adults. The juvenile justice system is designed to handle cases involving younger individuals in a way that emphasizes rehabilitation rather than punishment.

Understanding this definition is essential for law enforcement officers, as they must apply different protocols and considerations when dealing with juveniles, including aspects of their rights, legal processes, and potential interventions. The age threshold is significant because it establishes the point at which individuals are considered capable of criminal intent and, therefore, subject to standard adult criminal laws.

In contrast, the other options propose different age ranges or conditions that do not align with the established legal definition of a juvenile, making them less applicable in a law enforcement context. This distinction is vital for officers to ensure they're acting within the framework of the law when interacting with minors.