CRANSTON, R.I. (AP) - Union officials are demanding body armor and pepper spray for detention center employees in Rhode Island amid a series of incidents where juvenile offenders allegedly vandalized a sprinkler system and assaulted authorities.
WPRI-TV reports (https://bit.ly/2tFDSSz) that the Rhode Island Training School, a detention center for juveniles in Cranston, has had their sprinklers set off by residents about once a week for two months straight. Union officials say juveniles also assaulted employees in a courtyard in May.
The state is in the process of replacing the sprinklers to prevent tampering. Jerry Minetti, the union’s president, says they’re asking for the right to deploy body armor and pepper spray for protection.
A state official says these items are inappropriate and conflict with the role and mission of the detention center.
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