Research for this manual disclosed considerable variation across Canada in policies and practices for dealing with juvenile crime; police recognition of the long-term benefit of moving toward a more proactive problem-solving approach; and a lack of systematic information on practice regarding the Young Offenders Act. The manual attempts to address problems in establishing the role of the police in a comprehensive crime prevention strategy. It discusses the need for a strategy to prevent youth crime, challenges for police agencies, including prevention and community policing and the emerging role of front-line officers. A chapter on Understanding Youth Crime examines rates of and trends in youth crime and violence, compares youth crime in Canada with other jurisdictions, and presents data on self-reported delinquency and victimization of youth. In addition, the manual includes chapters on: The Legal Basis for the Use of Police Discretion and Diversion; A Conceptual Framework for Crime Prevention; Models of Diversion in Other Countries; A Conceptual Framework for Diversion; and Police Involvement in Crime Prevention and Diversion Programs With Youth. Notes, tables, figures, bibliography, appendix