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VOL. 38 | NO. 35 | Friday, August 29, 2014
Nashville juvenile jail to review locking policy
NASHVILLE (AP) — A Tennessee corrections official says his department will review policies on locking dorm doors at the state's juvenile detention centers after a violent disturbance and breakout this week.
On Wednesday night, about 28 teens left their rooms at Woodland Hills Youth Development Center in Nashville. They kicked through metal panels underneath windows in a common area and reached the yard. Local media outlets' photos and videos show teens roaming and carrying sticks. Officials say two staff members suffered minor injuries.
On Monday, more than 30 teens escaped after kicking through the same panels.
The teens stay in single rooms that are locked on the outside. Only those with keys can enter. But the teens can push the doors open.
DCS Commissioner Jim Henry said Thursday that it's difficult for staff to maintain control when the teens can open doors to enter common areas.