Allegheny County says it continues to work on a new juvenile detention facility, but one leader in law enforcement isn't sure how much longer they can wait.
In a letter to county leaders, Craig Campbell, Collier Chief and President of the Allegheny County Chiefs of Police Association, says they're out of options in many cases.
“These kids are being released back on the street, they’re committing murders, they’re committing rapes and being send home with family members,” said Campbell.
He's calling for temporary solutions while the County pursues a new facility.
Manager Jennifer Liptak is spearheading that effort. She says they're working to renovate Shuman Center and hope to have it at least partially open by the end of the year.
“We’re working very closely to get that building up to date,” said Liptak. “We’re working with the court system, because they’re the ones who actually decide where they get detained, how they get detained, where they get placed. We’re ongoing and working.”
She said the court system currently has 14 beds to use for juvenile detention.