PROSES DIVERSI DI TINGKAT PENYIDIKAN TERHADAP ANAK YANG MELAKUKAN TINDAK PIDANA PENCURIAN (Studi di Kepolisian Resor Kota Bulungan)

The implementation of diversion in the juvenile criminal justice system is an important effort to protect the rights of children in conflict with the law. This study aims to analyze the diversion process at the investigation level for children who commit theft in the Bulungan City Police Resort, as well as identify obstacles faced in its implementation. Using empirical juridical research methods, this study combines analysis of legal documents with interviews with investigators and field observations over 1 month. Data from Bulungan City Police shows that out of 10 cases of theft involving children during the 2021-2023 period, only 2 cases were successfully resolved through diversion. This finding indicates significant challenges in the implementation of diversion, despite the law providing a strong legal foundation. This research explores concrete steps in the diversion process, the roles of various parties involved, and the regulations governing its implementation. The main obstacles identified include lack of public understanding about diversion, limited human resources and facilities, and resistance from some parties to out-of-court settlements. The results of this study are expected to contribute to improving the effectiveness of diversion application in child theft cases, as well as encouraging the development of more comprehensive policies in the juvenile criminal justice system. Proposed recommendations include increasing socialization to the community, strengthening the capacity of law enforcement officers, and providing adequate facilities to support the diversion process.