Bishop Browne Offers to Personally Escort Escaped Juveniles Back to Police

Bishop Charlesworth Browne is making a personal appeal to the juveniles who escaped from the Bolans Police Station to come out of hiding, offering to accompany them back into police custody amid concerns that fear of law enforcement is preventing them from surrendering.

Browne, who chairs the Prison Visiting Committee and also has responsibility for juveniles, told Observer Media that he is willing to serve as an intermediary between the young men and the authorities, hoping his involvement will ease their fears and encourage them to return voluntarily.

“Some of them have this serious phobia of the police,” Browne said. “My number is out there and I would ask them to get in touch with me, and I would seek to pilot them.”

The Bishop explained that he is prepared to personally escort any of the escapees to the police station and assist in facilitating their return to the rehabilitation centre.

However, he stressed that any such arrangement should take place during daylight hours.

“I prefer broad daylight,” he said. “So, whatever has to be done, let me know as soon as possible.”

Browne has also provided his contact information to officers at the Bolans Police Station to assist with any potential handover.

His appeal comes as authorities continue searching for the four teenage boys, aged between 15 and 17, who escaped from the police station after being transferred from the Denis Bowers Rehabilitation Centre.

The juveniles had reportedly been moved to the station after allegedly damaging their cell at the rehabilitation facility, leaving it unsuitable for occupancy while repairs were undertaken.

Browne revealed that he has a personal connection with one of the escapees, a young man who had been studying drafting at the Harrison Centre.

He recalled speaking extensively with the teenager last week, during which the youth expressed an interest in returning to school.

The Bishop said he remains uncertain about what transpired in the period leading up to the escape.

Since the incident, Browne has spoken with the young man's mother and asked her to communicate his offer of assistance should her son make contact.

He also disclosed that information reaching him suggests some of the juveniles' peers may know their whereabouts, but the escapees are reportedly frightened of the consequences awaiting them.

Describing the young men as “running scared”, Browne urged them to seek assistance rather than remain in hiding.

Despite his willingness to help, the Bishop cautioned that escaping lawful custody is a serious matter that could carry additional consequences.

He explained that juveniles who escape custody are normally sent to His Majesty's Prison and that the circumstances surrounding the earlier incident at the rehabilitation centre would also be considered.

According to Browne, one of the young men had previously been held at the prison and was awaiting transfer.

He acknowledged that the ultimate outcome would be determined by the courts.

Beyond the immediate search, Browne expressed concern about what he described as broader shortcomings in the country's approach to helping vulnerable and troubled young people.

“They need help,” he said. “I think sometimes when you look at the dynamics in the demographics, you recognise that we’ve been failing some of our young people.”

The Bishop argued that behavioural and social difficulties often become evident during primary school and continue into secondary education, yet some young people progress through the education system without receiving the intervention they need.

He noted that even some who reach tertiary institutions continue to struggle with unresolved challenges.

Browne disclosed that a counselling programme is being developed to provide greater support to young people experiencing difficulties.

The initiative includes focused learning sessions and activities aimed at strengthening critical thinking and encouraging positive behavioural changes.

He said the approach has already begun producing encouraging results, with several young people turning away from harmful behaviours.

The Bishop maintained that engaging troubled youth with compassion and understanding can make a significant difference in how they respond to guidance.

“When you sit with them and you try to reason with them as a father and as somebody who cares about their future, you get a different kind of sharing from them,” he said.

Browne continues to encourage the escaped juveniles to contact him, maintaining that his immediate priority is helping them return to the authorities while ensuring they receive the guidance and support needed to move forward.