Teen Offenders Spared the Rod

Judges can commit juveniles to the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services until they are 21, but Schiraldi decides how and where the time is spent.

Unlike the adult system, which focuses on punishment, the juvenile system is built around reform. So counselors who consider youths reformed, or headed that way, can release them from custody and send them to a treatment facility or even home with supervision.

At a recent D.C. Council hearing, Patricia A. Riley, special counsel to U.S. attorney for the District, cited several cases in which youths under Schiraldi's supervision have committed more crimes.

A young carjacker, living at home, was rearrested on homicide charges. A robber was convicted of two more armed robberies.

Similar incidents happened before Schiraldi's tenure. But Riley said Schiraldi's strategy has not stemmed that tide.

"We have heard that some defense attorneys seek commitment to DYRS because their clients are likely to be back on the street in a short amount of time with fewer restrictions than if they are placed on probation to Court Social Services," Riley said.

Tosha Williams, who heads the corrections officer union, said her officers are in more danger under Schiraldi. She counts a dozen assaults on staff this year. Staff members fear being brought up on charges for restraining unruly youths.

In August 2007, officer Raymond Miller caught someone smoking marijuana in his room. Miller searched the room and confiscated a lighter.

"The kid got mad and threatened me," he said. Later, Miller said, he was jumped by several youths. One broke off a table leg and hit him in the head, requiring stitches. "That should never happen. The changes are making the units less safe."

The youth was charged and remains in custody.

David Muhammad, chief of committed services for the department, said some staff members are upset that hitting youths is no longer allowed.

"There was a bit of a culture of allowing a certain amount of abuse," Muhammad said. "We are directly confronting that culture and getting pushback."