Maryland’s juvenile detention system is facing increased scrutiny after a recent incident at the Western Maryland Children’s Center in Hagerstown. This situation, coupled with concerning data on rising violence in juvenile jails across the state, has prompted attorneys and staff to call for a federal investigation into the Maryland Department of Juvenile Services (DJS). They claim that undertrained and understaffed facilities are leading to unsafe environments for both the youths in custody and the employees responsible for their supervision.
Emergency Call from Juvenile Inmate Highlights Tensions
The latest alarm over conditions in Maryland’s juvenile detention centers began with a 911 call from inside the Western Maryland Children’s Center. On a summer afternoon, State Police were dispatched to the facility after a teenage inmate placed the call, claiming that those inside were being abused and suggesting the presence of sexual predators within the facility. The juvenile told the dispatcher, “They got us all locked down, we’re getting abused, and there’s perverts in here.”
However, after reviewing surveillance footage and questioning staff members, the police determined that there was no immediate threat or emergency. The state quickly categorized the call as a prank, dismissing any further concerns. Yet, state inspectors and officials monitoring Maryland’s juvenile justice facilities took a different view, noting that such calls may reflect deeper systemic issues within the facility.
Alarming Trends in Juvenile Facility Violence
According to the latest report from the Maryland unit responsible for monitoring juvenile justice facilities, the situation in these centers is worsening. The number of detained juveniles has surged by 59% compared to the previous year, creating even greater strain on already overburdened staff. Even more alarming is the sharp rise in violence inside the facilities. Incidents of juvenile-on-juvenile assaults have risen by 73%, while assaults on staff members have increased by 18%.
Staff members have shared their concerns about the escalating violence, with one reporting being punched and assaulted on the job. A particularly disturbing incident occurred last month when an employee reported having their hair and pieces of their scalp ripped out during an altercation.
The union representing officers working in the juvenile detention centers has repeatedly voiced concerns, stating that lives are being put at risk due to the unsafe working conditions. They argue that the facilities are not only inadequately staffed but also staffed by personnel who lack the proper training to manage the increasing levels of violence and mental health issues among the incarcerated youth.
Defense Attorney Urges Federal Probe
The growing concerns over the state’s juvenile detention facilities have led Baltimore defense attorney Warren Brown to speak out. Brown has been an outspoken critic of the Maryland juvenile justice system and believes that the current conditions may be causing more harm than good to the incarcerated youth.
“It’s really kind of a joke, and it’s a sick joke,” Brown said, criticizing the DJS for what he perceives as a lack of clear direction and adequate leadership. Brown called for a thorough top-to-bottom investigation of how the juvenile detention centers are operating, stating that the current conditions could have long-term detrimental effects on the troubled youth the system is supposed to rehabilitate.
He also questioned the long-term goals of the facilities’ administrators, suggesting that the lack of a clear plan has led to the ongoing crisis. Brown emphasized that something must be done immediately to improve conditions, arguing that Maryland has been “kicking the can down the road” for far too long when it comes to addressing the systemic issues in juvenile detention.
Union’s Plea for Improved Conditions
The union representing juvenile detention staff has expressed its frustration with the conditions, echoing Brown’s calls for a federal investigation. Union members have voiced concerns over the poor conditions, inadequate training, and dangerously low staffing levels. One union representative claimed that “every facility has a security issue,” underscoring the need for immediate action to address the growing risks faced by both staff and the juveniles they oversee.
The union is demanding a full-scale review of the state’s juvenile detention system, with an emphasis on improving staffing levels, training, and security measures. They argue that without significant reforms, both employees and youth detainees will continue to face serious harm.
DJS Remains Silent
Despite the growing outcry from both staff and external advocates, the Maryland Department of Juvenile Services has remained largely silent on the issue. Multiple requests for comment from the department have gone unanswered, leaving many to wonder what steps, if any, are being taken to address the escalating violence and deteriorating conditions within the state’s juvenile detention centers.
As the pressure mounts from staff, attorneys, and external monitors, there are increasing calls for the federal government to step in and investigate Maryland’s juvenile detention system. Advocates for reform hope that such an investigation will lead to meaningful changes that prioritize the safety and well-being of both the youth in custody and the staff responsible for their care.
In the meantime, the situation in Maryland’s juvenile detention centers remains fraught with danger, as staff and detainees alike continue to face the daily threat of violence in facilities that seem ill-equipped to handle the growing crisis.
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