By adopting a city ordinance for shoplifting, Milton could more effectively deal with such crimes, saving time for the police and allowing discretion with young offenders, the City Council was told at a first presentation for the proposed ordinance revision.
In a report to the council, Police Chief Rich Austin said the city previously charged offenders under the state code for shoplifting, but starting in November 2017 tried processing them under a city charge of disorderly conduct.
The matter could be handled with a citation, and officers had more discretion, especially with young people, Austin said. While the program has shown benefit, there’s a chance the charge could be reduced or dismissed if the offender opts to be remanded to state court; the state’s disorderly conduct charge has no theft element.
A city ordinance for shoplifting would make dismissal less likely, free up police resources, let the city’s municipal court maintain more direct control, and open other avenues for handling shoplifting, such as diversion programs, Austin said.
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