ile delinquency is a relatively new concept that law enforcement and civilian organizations are attempting to understand and maintain control of. There are a number of successful programs as well as unsuccessful programs that have been implemented over the years to aid and prevent juvenile delinquency. Delinquency is a universal language among youths and is equally destructive as it is contagious. Over the years, law enforcement and sociologists have developed certain strategies and diagnostic tools that have been proven effective, but have yet to completely nullify the ever growing issue at hand. Some of these strategies include community policing, problem oriented policing, and aggressive law enforcement. Sociologists have developed diagnostic theories such as choice and trait theory in an attempt to shed some light on potential problem areas. In order for any strategy or theory to hold its water, there are many environmental and situational factors that must be considered before decisive action is to occur.

There are a number of theories that can and have been applied to juvenile delinquency in an attempt to better understand the thought process or lack thereof. Two popular theories that display good standing are Choice Theory and Trait Theory. According to Siegel & Welsh (2008) ‘Choice Theory holds that youths will engage in delinquent and criminal behavior after weighing the consequences and benefits of their actions’ (p. 47). Choice Theory operates on the assumption that youths are mature and capable of making rational decisions to reach a desired outcome. Another theory that rivals choice theory is trait theory. Trait theory suggests that ‘Youths engage in delinquent or criminal behavior due to aberrant physical or psychological traits that govern behavioral choices’ (Siegel & Welsh pg. 48). Trait theory supports that an individual’s choice is actually the product of a physical or psychological abnormality or defect. Both Choice and Trait theories are similar in nature because they both draw from an individual’s mental process or behavioral upbringing. Siegel & Welsh (2008) define Juvenile delinquency as ‘participation in illegal behavior by a minor who falls under a statutory age limit’ (p. 6). The key word in that sentence for a supporter of choice theory is participation. Participation is generally believed to be a personal act or choice that is exercised by the individual. A supporter of trait theory would rely on the explanation of an indivi