Youth detainees assault staff in violent disturbance at Cleveland Youth Detention Centre

A violent disturbance erupted at the Cleveland Youth Detention Centre recently, resulting in the assault of four staff members, including one who was knocked momentarily unconscious.

Some young people caused a violent disturbance at the Cleveland Youth Detention Centre (CYDC) on Thursday. Picture: Matt Taylor

A violent disturbance recently erupted at the Cleveland Youth Detention Centre, resulting in the assault of four staff members, including one who was knocked momentarily unconscious.

The Department of Youth Justice said police are investigating after a disturbance broke out at Cleveland Youth Detention Centre (CYDC) on Thursday.

It’s understood four staff members were assaulted, including one who was knocked unconscious, while attempting to subdue a group of boys who were involved in a disturbance and damaging property.

Federal Herbert MP Phillip Thompson condemned the “disgusting” assaults, calling for those responsible to be appropriately punished.

“If there are no consequences for actions, we are rewarding these offenders for their bad behaviour,” he said.

Herbert MP Phillip Thompson has condemned the recent assault of staff at CYDC.

“It shows them that if they go out into the community and assault someone, they can get away with it. That’s not right. It’s a slap in the face of the youth detention workers and a slap in the face to our community.”

A spokesman from the Department of Youth Justice emphasised its support for staff during such incidents and reiterated its commitment to holding young offenders accountable.

“Alleged offences by young people are being investigated by police,” he said.

“As a well-established principle of youth detention, young people are held accountable for their behaviour.

“Alleged assaults or threats of assaults on staff are unacceptable and treated as a matter of priority and referred to the police for thorough investigation.”

Despite these assurances, Mr Thompson highlighted ongoing concerns from staff at the centre.

“I’m constantly getting messages from staff and families … morale is low,” he said.

“It was the same when I worked there; the people on the ground just aren’t being supported enough.”

The Department of Youth Justice, however, pointed to recent infrastructure improvements aimed at enhancing safety at CYDC.

These upgrades include security system enhancements, improved CCTV surveillance, and the introduction of body-worn cameras.

“Incidents in Youth Detention Centres are handled in accordance with standard protocols and procedures, with the safety and wellbeing of both our staff and young people the highest priority,” the spokesman said.

Originally published as Youth detainees assault staff in violent disturbance at Cleveland Youth Detention Centre