Darryl Beatty, the executive director of the Dallas County Juvenile Department, resigned on Friday, effective immediately. His resignation comes amid serious allegations of mistreatment and unsanitary conditions at the Dallas Juvenile Justice Center.
According to The Dallas Morning News, an unannounced inspection of the Dr. Jerome McNeil Jr. Detention Center was conducted on Monday. The findings prompted the state inspector general’s office to initiate a new investigation.
Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins called for an independent investigation to determine the necessary actions moving forward. On X, Jenkins stated, “Juvenile Director Darryl Beatty resigned today in light of growing public concerns about issues within the department. It is now essential for everyone to collaborate and bring in a third-party entity selected by the Juvenile Board to investigate and recommend actions to address the situation.”
The Dallas County Juvenile Board has scheduled a special meeting for noon on Monday. While part of the meeting will be held in a private executive session, there will be a public comment period. Those wishing to speak must register with the executive assistant by 4 p.m. Friday.
The Dallas County Juvenile Department is the second-largest juvenile services department in Texas.
