Westbrook a stain on child welfare

'Today, through a source other than Mr. Davies, TDT met and talked to two former inmates who between them have served fourteen months there, recently released. They asked not to be named or identified, but they did agree to talk with Des Power'.

Reporter Des Power: 'In the last year have you witnessed any acts of brutality in Westbrook?'

'Yeah'.

DP: 'What have you seen?'

'I've seen kids beat up, 'n kicked 'em'.

DP: 'How were they beaten up?'

'The officers just punch into them, kickin' em -- down the cells, there. Usually come in when you're asleep, 'n kick into you. 'N' when you're awake, you know, you can't see anything, just a boot comin'at your face.'

DP: 'Do they use anything to bash you up with?'

'Oh, yeah -- the keys. The chain'n all the keys, on the chain'.

DP: 'Why do they do this?'

'Alotta kids, you know, act a bit smart to the officers, because like the officers can always get back at 'em, you know, 'cause the officers act smart too …I've seen officers twist their arm behind their back, while another officer's kicked into 'em, punched into 'em. Or they hit 'em with keys.'

DP: 'In the last year, have you done or seen any drill exercises done for punishment?'