Inmate removed from Parkville youth justice centre roof in second incident this week
An inmate has been removed from the roof at Parkville’s Juvenile Justice Centre after climbing to the prohibited area. The incident comes just days after a shirtless teenage inmate scaled the building and threw rocks during a stand-off with jail staff.
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An inmate was removed from the roof at Parkville Juvenile Justice Centre this afternoon, two days after a similar incident.
An investigation has been launched into how a second inmate scaled the roof of the trouble-plagued Parkville Juvenile Justice Centre.
The shirtless teen was seen walking on the roof about 12.45pm, witness Susan said.
Susan, who asked for her surname not to be used, said she heard banging and walked out to the footpath on Park St, where she could see the youth clutching what appeared to be a large stick.
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She said she initially thought it was a worker doing maintenance.
“Nobody was trying to bring him down. I walked over to talk to the staff — they were just watching,” she said.
“There wasn’t much of a commotion. I went back inside and watched for a few minutes from my window and I could see him just wandering over the back.”
A Department of Justice and Community Safety spokeswoman said the inmate was no longer on top of the building.
“Youth justice staff have safely removed a young person who accessed a prohibited roof area from the outside of a building within the Parkville Youth Justice Centre for a short period on Friday,” the spokeswoman said.
“The young person did not breach the outside perimeter of the precinct, and all appropriate processes were enacted.
“An investigation is now underway and it would be inappropriate to comment further.”
Today’s incident comes just two days after a topless teenage inmate scaled the roof and threw rocks during a stand-off with jail staff on Wednesday.
The youth gave himself up, but could face criminal charges.
The Herald Sun yesterday reported that prison insiders say there is an alarming level of fear among staff at the complex due to ongoing assaults by inmates.
There had been 100 incidents involving staff in the past three months, according to the Community and Public Sector Union.
The list of 111 incidents included claims of sexual assault, a pen used to attack a worker and an officer being attacked in an attempt to steal keys.
Parkville Youth Justice Centre has a long history of violence and chaos, with riots in recent years causing huge damage.
Multiple rampages in 2016 causing extensive damage, including big holes in ceilings and walls, smashed doors and windows, and destroyed office equipment, with youths spending hours on the roof at the facility.
Millions of taxpayer dollars were spent repairing and fortifying the prison, but this week’s incidents have made a mockery of the renewed measures.
Corrections Victoria and Victoria Police have been contacted for comment.