NYC Juvenile Detention Centers Overwhelmed by Hardened Criminals: Report

New York City's two juvenile detention facilities, Horizon Juvenile Center in The Bronx and Crossroads Juvenile Center in Brooklyn, are facing a crisis. A new report by the city Department of Investigation has found that the state's lenient Raise the Age law and bail reform package have led to an influx of older, hardened criminals, including accused killers, into these facilities, designed for misbehaving youngsters.

The number of murder suspects held in these centers has more than quadrupled since 2017, leading to a spike in violence. Staffers are overworked and have been forced to grapple with numerous outbreaks of violence, including riots that have sent both workers and inmates to the hospital.

The report details several violent incidents, including:

April 24, 2023: One resident attacked by two others at Horizon while being escorted from the gym.
April 21, 2023: Staff at Crossroads assaulted during a strip search of 15 residents.
Nov. 8, 2022: Resident spat in the face of a staffer, followed by a group attack, leading to a head injury.
Sept. 8, 2022: Residents stole keys, took over a multi-purpose room, and assaulted staff members, resulting in six injuries, four requiring hospitalization.
June 24, 2022: A K-9 unit search uncovered contraband, including marijuana, a shank, metal clubs, and a rock.
June 4, 2022: Residents at Horizon hurled basketballs at a window, breaking it, and one attempted to escape.
Jan. 24, 2022: Eight residents at Horizon rioted, smashing a glass door, smearing lotion on surveillance cameras, spitting at staff, and flashing a sharp object.
July 4, 2021: Six residents attacked two others, prompting a code yellow, leading to two residents being taken to the emergency room.
April 20, 2020: Residents set off sprinklers, overpowered a staffer, and refused to go to their rooms, resulting in a three-hour standoff with police.

The report also found that the standard behavioral management procedure, STRIVE, is inadequate to handle the older and more violent residents. Staff is overworked and struggling to cope with the increased violence and lack of resources.

Despite the report, ACS maintains they have addressed many of the issues, particularly since May 2023. They cite a decrease in youth-on-youth violence, increased staffing, and improved educational outcomes for youth in detention.

However, critics remain unconvinced. Law enforcement officials and politicians argue that the reforms have made New York less safe and have emboldened criminals.

Former NYPD Assistant Commissioner of Youth Services Kevin O'Connor suggests building separate facilities for older juvenile offenders and focusing on reducing recidivism. He argues that detention is necessary to prevent repeat victimization.

The city council is pushing for more public data on outcomes and demographics of youth crime and the juvenile justice system.

This report highlights a critical issue facing NYC, revealing the unintended consequences of criminal justice reforms and the urgent need for a comprehensive approach to youth crime and safety.

NYC Juvenile Detention Centers Overwhelmed by Hardened Criminals: Report