Challenges at New York City’s Juvenile Detention Centers

Workers at New York City’s two juvenile detention facilities are grappling with a rapidly increasing population of young offenders charged with serious crimes. This surge has resulted in a rise in violent incidents, threats, and the alarming discovery of various weapons including ceramic blades, razors, and scalpels, as highlighted in a report released by the Department of Investigation on Thursday.

The investigation into these centers began in 2017, following the enactment of the Raise the Age law. This legislation mandated that most 16- and 17-year-olds accused of crimes be directed to Family Court or to specially trained judges, rather than being placed in adult jails on Rikers Island. Consequently, even young offenders facing serious charges were redirected to the juvenile facilities: Horizon in the Bronx and Crossroads in Brooklyn.

Statistics reveal a worrying trend: between April 2018, just six months prior to the law’s implementation, and May 2023, the number of residents aged 16 and older at these centers who were accused of murder skyrocketed from just 7 to 134, as detailed in a comprehensive 75-page report from the department.

According to the findings, the staff members are ill-equipped to handle the influx of residents. The report indicates that a significant majority of employees feel that the young residents effectively control the facilities. Instances of riots have been reported, necessitating police intervention after staff members were physically assaulted. In a climate of fear, employees have resorted to wearing multiple layers of clothing under their uniforms to protect themselves from potential stabbings.

Supervisors have issued directives advising employees to allow minors to retain contraband items, such as marijuana, under the belief that it helps to maintain a semblance of calm. New hires are reportedly instructed to comply with the wishes of the residents to avoid confrontations. The report recounts a chilling incident where, after one worker was slashed, other staff members overheard the assailant boast, “cutting season on staff has just begun, and we are 17 so nothing will happen.”