The Effectiveness of Law Enforcement in Addressing Juvenile Brawling Offenders: A Case Study of Belawan Port Police Resort

Abstract

Juvenile brawling is a form of juvenile delinquency involving mass fights or violent clashes between groups of adolescents. These incidents are highly dangerous and often involve the use of sharp weapons and stones, resulting in serious consequences for public order, including property damage and threats to public safety. This study aims to analyze the effectiveness of law enforcement against juvenile brawling offenders within the jurisdiction of the Belawan Port Police Resort (Polres Pelabuhan Belawan) and to identify the obstacles encountered and the efforts undertaken to address them. This research employs an empirical juridical method using qualitative descriptive data analysis. The study applies both a statutory approach and a case approach. The primary theoretical framework is Soerjono Soekanto's theory of legal effectiveness, which evaluates law enforcement in Belawan based on five factors: legal factors, law enforcement officers (the Police Resort), facilities and infrastructure, community factors, and cultural factors. The findings of this study describe the extent to which law enforcement against juvenile brawling offenders has been effective within the jurisdiction of the Belawan Port Police Resort. The research also identifies the obstacles faced in enforcing the law against juvenile brawling offenders and proposes solutions to enhance the effectiveness of law enforcement in the region. The research data were collected through interviews, observations, and document analysis. The findings indicate that the effectiveness of law enforcement is influenced by legal factors, law enforcement personnel, facilities and infrastructure, and community factors.