Pinellas Juvenile Detention Center Abuse

The Pinellas Juvenile Detention Center in Clearwater, Florida, is a 95-bed detention facility that houses youths charged with offenses pending adjudication or disposition of their cases. The facility operates as a cooperative program between the Department of Juvenile Justice and the School Board of Pinellas County.

Its mission is to rehabilitate youths and reintegrate them into society as part of the state’s juvenile justice system. However, this facility has faced numerous accusations of mistreatment of detainees, including allegations of physical abuse and sexual misconduct by guards.

If you or a loved one has experienced abuse or violence at the Pinellas Juvenile Detention Center, you have rights and options to pursue justice. You can report the incident and pursue justice against the wrongdoers. Our compassionate team is here to support you in this journey, providing information and resources to help you pursue justice for the harm. Call Police Brutality Center today and take the first step towards reclaiming your rights.

Were you or a loved one a victim of police brutality?

Attorneys that work with Police Brutality Center may be able to assist you.

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Content Last Updated: May 2, 2025

Signs of Mistreatment and Abuse

Several signs might indicate that abuse is taking place. These include both emotional and physical indicators.

Emotional or Behavioral Signs

Withdrawal and isolation
Anxiety
Aggression or irritability
Depression
Changes in sleep patterns
Changes in eating habits
Reluctance to speak
Decline in academic performance
Risk-taking behavior
Trouble concentrating

Physical Signs

Unexplained bruises and welts
Burns
Cuts and lacerations
Fractures or sprains
Signs of sexual abuse, including trouble sitting or walking, STIs, and genital bleeding
Head injuries like concussions, black eyes, and jaw injuries
Missing patches of hair

While these signs do not always guarantee that abuse is taking place, they can be strong indicators and warrant closer examination. If your loved one or a juvenile at a facility is exhibiting these behaviors or signs of abuse, consider seeking help from our knowledgeable team.

Recent Incidents at Pinellas Juvenile Detention Center

Despite the Pinellas Juvenile Detention Center’s claims of offering a “safe, secure, and humane environment” with services meeting detained minors’ needs, there have been several recent incidents warranting police investigations. The following are a few allegations of assault and sexual abuse:

In March 2025, a detention officer was arrested and charged with child abuse after allegedly assaulting a 15-year-old inmate.
In February 2024, a sergeant at the facility was arrested for allegedly soliciting sexual activity with a teen inmate.
In March 2019, it was reported that an officer at the facility was allegedly trading food and drink with juvenile inmates in exchange for sexual favors. Officer Joshua Harrison was arrested and charged with two counts of sexual battery, one count of simple battery, and one count of introduction of contraband in a juvenile facility.

The repetitive abuse allegations that have taken place at this facility suggest a systemic problem, rather than an isolated event. As a result, policy overhauls may be necessary to provide enhanced protection to juveniles, particularly in areas related to staff conduct and supervision.

Considering that these cases involved alleged assault by an officer, the facilities may need to implement stricter screening and hiring procedures, such as more thorough background checks and psychological evaluations. Our team can help pursue justice if you or a loved one has experienced abuse at a juvenile detention center.

Prisoner Rights

Just like free citizens, prisoners and detainees have rights. The following amendments to the U.S. Constitution protect juveniles held at detention facilities:

The Eighth Amendment

The Eighth Amendment protects inmates from cruel and unusual punishment. It ensures humane treatment in a juvenile facility, adequate medical care, and proper living conditions. This amendment prohibits guards and officers from using excessive physical force or intentionally causing harm, and they may be held accountable for violations.

Fourth Amendment

Under the Fourth Amendment, staff members at a juvenile facility cannot conduct searches or confiscate possessions without reasonable cause. For example, a guard cannot search and seize a juvenile’s personal property as a form of harassment.

Fourteenth Amendment

The Fourteenth Amendment ensures fair due process. If an inmate loses additional rights or privileges following their initial sentencing, they must be informed and granted the opportunity to challenge or appeal the decision. This amendment also protects inmates from arbitrary punishments and ensures that they are treated with respect and fairness throughout their time at a facility.

Support for Victims of Abuse

If you or a loved one is seeking legal assistance related to juvenile justice issues, several local resources are available. You can call the Pinellas County Juvenile Assessment Center, the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice, or reach out to an attorney for additional support.

Pinellas County Juvenile Assessment Center

The Pinellas County Juvenile Assessment Center, or JAC, is the initial point of contact for adolescents entering the Florida juvenile justice system. They provide screening and assessment services. If you have concerns or questions, you can reach them at (727) 464-7426 and request to speak with a supervisor or program director.

Florida Department of Juvenile Justice

To file a complaint or report alleged abuse, you can contact the Department of Juvenile Justice, or DJJ. This agency oversees facilities such as the JAC and investigates complaints involving misconduct or mistreatment. You can either call (800) 622-4352 or fill out a complaint form.

Contact an Attorney for Support

For allegations of abuse, mistreatment, and civil rights violations, a juvenile justice lawyer can advocate for your case and represent you in court, if necessary. We are experienced in juvenile justice issues and can guide you through the legal process. Police Brutality Center can answer your questions, provide resources, and connect you with an experienced and skilled civil rights attorney.

File a Lawsuit Against Pinellas Juvenile Detention Center

The Pinellas Juvenile Detention Center is supposed to rehabilitate and educate detained youth to facilitate their successful reintegration into society. However, when these facilities fail to fulfill their purpose and harm their detainees, they should be held accountable.

If you or your loved one has been harmed by abuse at the Pinellas Juvenile Detention Center, you might be entitled to file a lawsuit to pursue justice. You can file suit against the perpetrators who caused your harm and the institutions that enabled the abuse, including the state. In a civil lawsuit, you can seek compensation for medical expenses, therapy bills, emotional trauma, pain and suffering, and more.

Police Brutality Center can connect you with an experienced juvenile detention center abuse attorney to help you pursue a claim over abuse at the Pinellas Juvenile Detention Center and seek justice for the harm you or your loved one has endured. Don’t suffer in silence. Call us today to take the first step towards justice.