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Hundreds attend rally after WA teen's death in custody

WARNING: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised that this article contains an image of a person who has died.
Hundreds of people have rallied for change in Western Australia after the death of a teenager in state custody.
Cleveland Dodd died last Thursday, a week after he self harmed in the controversial juvenile detention unit at Casuarina Prison.
Loved ones said the 16-year-old had been locked in his cell in unit 18 for up to 23 hours a day.
Hundreds of people are rallying for change in Western Australia after the death of a teenager in state custody.
Hundreds of people are rallying for change in Western Australia after the death of a teenager in state custody. (9News)
There are claims a guard on duty that night, who has been suspended pending an ongoing inquiry, was asleep.
"I can't go into any details regarding that matter," Corrective Services Minister Paul Papalia said.
"It is subject to some pretty heavy inquiries, the coroner's inquest and CCC."
The minister's focus today was a reset of the culture and leadership at the department as the axe fell on Commissioner Mike Reynolds just 18 months into his five-year term.
"Look right now, Mike Reynolds is employed by the Department of Justice and he'll just be going to a different role," Papalia said.
Shadow corrective services minister Peter Collier described Reynolds as the "sacrificial lamb" following the change.
"He's the scapegoat for the Labor government and doesn't remotely surprise me on this litany of failures," he said.
The 16-year-old's family who have travelled to Perth from around the state for the rally tonight said the changes are a start but ultimately they want to see unit 18 shut down.
The 16-year-old's family who have travelled from around the state for the rally said the changes are a start but ultimately they want to see unit 18 shut down. (9News)
Thirty-year police veteran Brad Royce is now in the top job.
"He's an excellent leader and someone known to be able to affect cultural change and that's why he's been appointed," Papalia said.
The new commissioner is still to meet his team having only accepted the role in the last couple of days.
"I'm not gonna go into unit 18 today," Royce told reporters.
"You gotta give me a little bit of a chance to have a look.
"It's a bit of work to do for me there."
The appointment of Royce is not the only change for the department announced today. 
There has also been the creation of a new deputy commissioner role.
The new position will specifically deal with juvenile justice facilities, which means Banksia Hill and unit 18 where Cleveland was being held.
The person who will take that position and when remains to be seen. 
Cleveland's family, who travelled to Perth from around the state for Wednesday night's rally, said the changes were a start but ultimately they want to see unit 18 shut down.
Readers seeking support can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, beyond blue on 1300 22 4636 or Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800.
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