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 Auditor finds safety, security problems "If a fire occurred in living units several juveniles would die due to not being able to be evacuated." -- Department of Correction report on Alexander Youth Services Center Two life-threatening conditions were among more than 36 deficiencies documented in a May 4 security audit of the Alexander Youth Services Center. The center, which includes six cottages holding about 160 juvenile delinquents in the custody of the state, is operated by the Division of Youth Services, a part of the state Department of Human Services. "Staff in most areas have sincere concern for juveniles," wrote Maj. Shirley Jordan, assistant warden of the Wrightsville Unit. "They gave us the indication they are starving for direction from administration and would do what was needed to improve the overall operations." The most serious concerns identified in the audit involve fire safety and failure to securely store supplies such as chemicals, tools and hypodermic needles. There are no emergency procedures in case of fire, riots or severe weather at the Alexander campus. "It was noted that if a fire occurred in living units, several juveniles would die due to not being able to be evacuated," Jordan wrote. "Juveniles are locked in rooms with windows unable to be opened. A fire in these units would not allow staff to gain access to rooms locked." In the cottage known as House of Hope, the fire extinguisher was kept in the office. At the START Cottage for delinquent girls, there was no fire extinguisher in the building even though an inspection sheet for April 29 showed "Fire extinguisher OK." Problems listed as "to be corrected as quickly as possible" included:  Aerosol cans out in all areas. Cleaning supplies labeled "harmful or fatal" in unsecured cabinets along with food items for staff. No inventory of supplies, needles, syringes, scalpels, drugs, etc., in the infirmary. No inventory of cleaning supplies. Needles, alcohol etc. out, not secured in the infirmary. No inventory on knives in kitchen. Staff stated it had 10 on hand, but count showed 11. No inventory on tools, i.e., hoes, shovels, rakes, axes, hammers, sledgehammers, picks, etc."Staff demonstrates a lack of concern due to no guidelines and direction for administration. There is a real potential for serious injury or death," Jordan wrote. Auditors found only five security staff members on duty at Alexander on May 4, and none at the JUMP Cottage, which houses the state's most violent boy offenders. Nor were any staff members on duty at the girls' START unit. "Although security is available, they are in name only. Security staff receive very little training as it relates to security practice. Security checks are conducted at various times but are not adequate," Jordan reported. Other security problems: Security cameras found to have paper taped over lens. Vehicles entering unit are not checked. Visitors allowed to enter all areas without escort or shakedown. Private vehicles unlocked and some found to have keys left inside. Outside doors at JUMP program found unlocked. No perimeter fence. Only fence was erected to control sightseers on entrance road. No check of staff entering or exiting unit. Staff admitted a problem had existed in the past with control of supplies being taken. Staff does not have routine duties in place and any set times established to perform security functions."Overall, the unit is dirty and unsanitary," Jordan stated. "It was apparent that some effort had been made to make the unit as presentable as possible during the audit." Jordan also recommended a dress code for staff members. "Staff was observed wearing shorts, halter tops, T-shirts, etc. Juveniles dressed better than staff," she concluded. This article was published on Sunday, June 21, 1998 Copyright, permissions and privacy policy Copyright © 2008, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Inc. All rights reserved. This document may not be reprinted without the express written permission of Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Inc. |
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