This study investigates the way summary referrals are applied in practice and the extent to which juveniles processed by summary referrals commit new offenses. The study differentiates between summary referrals, referrals with custody, or referrals without custody. The results show that summary referrals are chosen when the amount of economic loss due to the offense is minimal and when release without hearing is recommended by the police as an appropriate disposition. First offenses that include shoplifting, bicycle theft, and use of a lost article (i.e., joyriding a bicycle) are most often processed by a summary referral. Older juveniles, those having parents with no specific parenting problems, and those currently enrolled in high school are most likely to receive a summary referral. Among those receiving a summary referral, approximately 13 percent of the males and 8 percent of the females have subsequent police contact before the age of 20.