Lookout Mountain Youth Services Center To Ramp Up Security

GOLDEN, CO — After a teen escaped from the Lookout Mountain Youth Center earlier this week, many community members are questioning the center's security.

Several teens have escaped from the facility already this year. There have also been reports of riots, drug allegations, death threats and fights at the center.

Youth Services Director Anders Jacobson told Fox 31 Denver that the center plans to install anti-climbing mesh on the facility's fencing.

Employees will also receive raises, so the center will attract higher-quality staff. Earlier this year, a supervisor was arrested on suspicion of child porn possession, and three staff members were placed on leave for drug possession.

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Inmates were involved in a riot earlier this year, injuring ten staff members, police said.

In April, the center was locked down and searched after death threats were made against five guards. Rumors that someone was "going to throw a gun over the fence" had been intercepted by staff, and a search unearthed a homemade shank, but no gun. Two inmates were transferred to another facility after the incident.

Also in April, A 15-year-old who was described as a "violent offender" escaped from the facility. He was caught soon after.

Related:

• Guards Injured In Fight At Lookout Mountain Youth Services Center
• 2 Teens 'Instigators' Of Riot At JeffCo Youth Facility: Cops
• Teen On The Run From Golden Youth Detention Center: Police