A shocking series of allegations about inhumane conditions has emerged from a juvenile jail in Wayne County, Detroit. A 16-year-old girl arrested in the metro area is sharing her disconcerting experience, saying, “Honestly, I would rather die than go back there.”
The young girl, whose name has been withheld due to her age, describes conditions of overcrowded spacing, lack of sufficient staff, and an absence of basic amenities such as cups for water. She claims that her right to communicate with the outside world was stifled, leaving her feeling invisible and uncared for while behind bars.
The teenager was arrested over allegations of pointing a gun at people near a local store. During the time of her arrest, her distressed mother contends that the police refused to disclose any information about her daughter’s condition or whereabouts, adding to the family’s turmoil. The family lodged a complaint against the police, alleging mismanagement of the case.
In the teen’s sweeping recollection, she claims that she was kept in a back room at a police office for hours before being transferred to the troubled Wayne County Juvenile Detention Center. This center already has a troubled history, with previous cases of uncivilized conditions and abusive staff. The girl reported not being allowed to contact her mother for over 30 hours post her arrest.
Among her distressing accounts, she reveals witnessing physical abuse of fellow underage inmates. She explained, “When they tell you to go to your room, these big guys chase you around. They will drag you, throw you, punch you. They are so bad there. It was crazy.”
The meals at the center, she alleges, were not fit for consumption, likening it to “dog food”. The access to drinking water was another area of concern. Due to a reported shortage of cups, the inmates had to shape their hands into a makeshift cup to sip water from the sink. Tears streaming down her face, she recollects, “We were treated like animals. I lost my mind. It’s crazy in there.“
Wayne County officials have however disputed some of her claims, especially the assertion about the lack of cups. A spokesperson stated that cups were and still are available in every pod of the center.
The fear of returning to the detention center is clear in her voice. She says, “I’m terrified. Honestly, I would rather die than go back there. It’s a scary place.” As it stands, her case is now in front of a juvenile judge.
