N.C. Gen. Stat. § 7B-2100: Role of the law enforcement officer.

A law enforcement officer who takes a juvenile into temporary custody should select the most appropriate course of action to the situation, the needs of the juvenile, and the protection of the public safety. The officer may:

(1) Release the juvenile, with or without first counseling the juvenile;

(2) Release the juvenile to the juvenile's parent, guardian, or custodian;

(3) Refer the juvenile to community resources;

(4) Seek a petition; or

(5) Seek a petition and request a custody order. (1979, c. 815, s. 1; 1998-202, s. 6.)