SWEDISH CRIMINOLOGISTS VIEW JUVENILE JUSTICE HERE

Two Swedish criminologists visited juvenile detention facilities in Southeast Missouri and Southern Illinois recently to learn how the United States deals with young criminals.

Criminologists Peter and Louise Boudin were sent on their fact-finding mission by the Swedish government because juveniles are committing more violent crimes in Sweden.

"In the last two years, we have seen more murders committed by juveniles," he said. "There are gangs in Sweden now, and they are becoming more and more violent all the time."

Boudin said skinheads and fascist gangs, often composed of immigrants, have been growing in numbers recently.

The main difference between the American and Swedish juvenile justice systems is that the U.S. has separate systems for juveniles and adults. Sweden has no such distinction; all criminals are treated the same regardless of age.

The Boudins visited youth centers in Cape Girardeau, Poplar Bluff, and Harrison, Ill., from June 26 to 30. They also toured the Anna, Ill., Correctional Center, visited a youth boot camp in Dixon Springs, Ill., and observed juvenile court proceedings.

The Boudins were hosted by Dr. Michael Fichter, an associate professor of criminal justice at Southeast Missouri State University.

Fichter hopes to take a group of criminal justice students to Sweden next summer to study the legal and correctional systems there.