“It’s obvious Kentucky’s juvenile detention system is broken”

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – Changes are coming to the state’s juvenile system but after a violent incident at the Warren Regional Juvenile Detention Center, the most recent in a longer than desired list of unfortunate happenings over the past few months and years.

On Monday, three juveniles attacked staff resulting in some injuries and it was handled internally. But it begs the question of what can be done to help curb things like assaults and riots in the juvenile detention centers? Well, if you are not aware, juvenile detention staff are unarmed. This February, that might change as Governor Andy Beshear proposed “defensive equipment” in the form of pepper spray and tasers along with a pay raise to positions.

Speaking with State Representative Kevin Jackson, Jackson said he agrees with the changes proposed. “I’ve been in education for over 30 years, no one wants to help kids more than me.”

The statesman said “the violence isn’t fair to the juveniles in there trying to do right. It disrupts learning and reforming.” and disagreed with the classes of offenders who are lodged in the same facility.

“You have murders in there with kids who are just truant, that’s not right either.” which is something else the state looks to address, hoping to have 3 facilities dedicated to more violent offenders.

Jackson is hopeful some legislation will pass to help the issues when lawmakers meet in February.