Mayor Dwight C. Jones announced today that the city of Richmond will close the Richmond Juvenile Detention Center and place most operational staff on administrative leave until further notice. Richmond city youth requiring juvenile detention will be housed at neighboring facilities throughout the surrounding area. The decision follows a series of mounting concerns related to staff and management shortcomings and allegations of criminal behavior. “After our last visit to the State Board of Juvenile Justice, I indicated that additional changes in management and operations would be forthcoming,” said Mayor Jones. “My determination at this time is that it would be in the best interest of the future operation of the Juvenile Detention Center if we voluntarily relinquish the license for at least one year while we work to reestablish the facility.” The city of Richmond is expected to relinquish its license by close of business Friday, April 27, 2012. The relocation of residents began to