Security breach inside new ‘mini-max’ at Frank Baxter Youth Centre
They are considered among the state’s worst youth offenders -so violent they are housed inside a “mini-Supermax”. But just four months after the unit opened, there has already been a security breach at the troubled Frank Baxter Youth Justice Centre.
NSW
Don't miss out on the headlines from NSW. Followed categories will be added to My News.
- Barilaro fights back against Airbnb’s ‘targeted attack’
- Flying squad of riot cops to target juvenile inmates
A “mini-Supermax” created for teen criminals after one of the worst riots in the past decade has already had a security breach, with offenders accused of secretly making weapons.
The Bouddi Unit of Frank Baxter Youth Justice Centre was one of two dedicated high-risk units set up after the July riot to allow officers to separate out the most dangerous and violent teenagers.
It is understood it houses roughly eight teen criminals, including some who were allegedly involved in the riot.
The other high risk unit is located at the Cobham Youth Justice Centre.
Last weekend, the Bouddi Unit was placed in to lockdown after officers discovered a sharpened plastic knife in the facility.
One of the teenagers, an “extreme risk” juvenile who cannot be identified as he is under 18 years of age, is also accused of stealing a razor blade, which has yet to be found.
Razor blades are handed to juveniles to use each day, but must be returned.
MORE FROM LINDA SILMALIS
Bloody carnage: How the juvie prison riot unfolded
Gangs trying to take over inside juvie prisons
A Communities and Justice Department spokesman said investigations were ongoing.
“The Department is investigating the incident,” the spokesman said.
“Work is underway to implement the recommendations of the Shearer review and will continue to involve consultation with staff and other stakeholders.”
Officers had been fighting the state government for years for high-risk management units — dubbed “mini-max or Supermax for teens” — to enable troublemaking juveniles to be separated out of the general population.
It is understood both units will be upgraded over the next few months to ensure they are secure.
A report generated after the July 21-22 riot revealed there had been 740 incidents of physical assault, 604 incidents of self-harm and 172 security breaches across the juvenile justice system last year.
During the 21-hour riot, seven offenders were injured, including two who were stabbed as rioting teens grabbed gardening tools before attacking staff and fellow inmates.
Several detainees who were aged 18 years or over were transferred to adult prisons.
However, those under-age remain in the youth centres, many of who have been moved to the two high-risk units.