Tampa, Florida -- Hillsborough County deputies were called out to the juvenile detention center this past weekend for what staff described as a riot.
You might remember there was also a riot in 2013 at a boy's facility in Polk County. Both facilities are run by Department of Juvenile Justice and contracted to G4S, a worldwide security firm.
Deputies say more needs to be done to keep everyone safe.
"Pulled surveillance cameras, overturned cameras - mayhem."
On Sunday deputies were called to the Florida Department Juvenile Detention Center East-Lake Academy, Girls Wing. The 911 operator took this call: "We are having a riot."
Dozens of girls were refusing to go into their cells - a total of 7 were arrested - one for allegedly punching a detention center employee in the head. "These are violent criminals, and there is always the potential if they got out they'd be a danger to the community," said Larry McKinnon, HCSO spokesperson.
The community that the sheriff''s office is talking about is right across the street from a Head Start early education building. Parents -- who have kids there -- were not happy to hear about this story. They say barbed wire, locks, and concrete are not enough.
"If they get out what happens then? They are already acting up in there - that's not a safe environment," said one parent.
"There is always that potential the criminals have homemade weapons they could cause injury or kill to someone," said McKinnon.
"We take these matters very seriously and we will work to ensure that any necessary changes are fully implemented to help prevent a reoccurrence," said Monica Lewman-Garcia, media manager, G4S Americas.
Lewman-Garcia added that the facility serves 48 females, ages 12 to 19, in a nonsecure residential commitment program. The youth in this facility have been classified by the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice as minimal/low risk to the community.
"With very few exceptions, the youth housed in Juvenile Justice programs like Lake Academy are released back into the community after they have satisfied the terms of their commitment," said Lewman-Garcia. "It is our responsibility to work with these young women and to do our best to return them to society with the skills, knowledge and behaviors that enable them to become productive members of society."
Deputies say the guards do not carry pepper spray or Tasers.
There was damage after a riot at the Avon Park juvenile facility in Polk County in August 2013. It's operated by the same security company that works the Tampa facility.
We asked then what protocol needed change. "The answer last time was put up security cameras. Did it help?" asked 10 News. HCSO answered, " The inmates were very aware of the cameras. That's one of the first things they damaged, pulled the wiring. We recommend the cameras are more tamper-proof and not accessible."
The Department of Juvenile Justice did not return a call or comment.
