Limerick police say juvenile facility “over-utilizes” department

Limerick police believe a local juvenile facility may be over-using the department to help quell violence at the home. Police responded to more than 30 calls from the Baptist Children’s Services facility in Royersford in just a two-month period.

The facility, which houses 12 juvenile females at a time for 30-day stays each, is state licensed and is run by the Department of Human services, the Pottstown Mercury reports. 

In one recent incident, staff members locked themselves in the basement and bathrooms for safety. Police say the calls are mostly for fights and runaways.

Police Chief William Albany told the Mercury staff training may be a factor that need evaluation. The department wants to find a way to reduce the number of incidents at the facility that require police intervention.