Parents are held liable for cost of kids' vandalism
By WANDA BRISTER DARE Officer

WANDA BRISTER

Every month we will be working hard to help keep our parents aware of the most current information and updates on safety tips and drug awareness.

Vandalism: The Law

A parent or person who has the duty to control and reasonably discipline a child is liable for any property damage proximately caused by:

1. negligent conduct of the child, reasonably attributable to the negligent failure of the parent or person to exercise that duty.

2. willful and malicious conduct of a child who is at least 10 years of age but under 18 years of age.

Definition of vandalism: destructive action, malicious and deliberate defacement or destruction of somebody else's property.

People with pride in their community should draw the line by reminding others that if they see something, say something.

The goal is to take preventive measures, stopping the scourge from spreading by educating, sharing information and knowledge in an effort to make Jasper a safer stronger, more attractive place to live.

The intentional destruction of property is popularly referred to as vandalism. It includes behavior such as breaking windows, slashing tires, spray painting a wall with graffiti, and destroying a computer system through the use of a computer virus.

Vandalism is a malicious act and may reflect personal ill will, although the perpetrators need not know their victim to commit

vandalism. The recklessness of the act imputes both intent and malice.

Because the destruction of public and private property poses a threat to society, modern statutes make vandalism a crime. The penalties upon conviction may be a fine, a jail sentence, an order to pay repairs or replacement, or all three.

Aperson who commits vandalism may be sued in a civil tort action for damages.

The peak age for committing relatively minor property crimes is between 15 and 21. Adolescent vandalism, including destruction of schools, causes millions of dollars of damage each year. Apprehending vandals is difficult, so the cost of repairing damages is passed on to taxpayers, private property owners, and insurance companies.

Some states hold parents financially responsible for vandalism committed by their minor children, up to specified limits. These statutes are designed to encourage parental supervision and to shift part of the cost of vandalism from the public to the individuals who were responsible for supervising the children.

So parents, let's all work together to help our young adults to realize the consequences of their actions, and let's make Jasper a wonderful place to live. Remember, our kids are our future.