It's called "Tough Love" by those parents who've had to resort to such measures. Not so much the popular act, rather the correct one. There comes a point where at-risk teens are pushing too far beyond social boundaries to be acceptable, or manageable, by the family. Hence the saying, "It takes a village..." 
I was an at-risk teen 30 years ago. While I might not have committed this particular crime, I did awful things. They hurt people, made a mess of lives. Yet, through the use of tough love, I learned to face the consequences of my actions.
 
That is the point here. This teen must learn, and the dad called for help. No shame there, in truth my heart goes out to the whole family. This parent likely has tried to discipline his son; this may have been the last straw? He may have been warned that "next time it's the police". 
It takes great strength of character to "tattle" or "rat" out family...but when they need to learn the hard way, it is often the only resort.