Prison Escape: Methods, Consequences, and Prevention
Prison escape is the act of an inmate leaving prison through unofficial or illegal ways. Normally, when this occurs, an effort is made on the part of authorities to recapture them and return them to their original detainers. Escaping from prison is also a criminal offense in some countries, such as the United States and Canada, and it is highly likely to result in time being added to the inmate's sentence, as well as the inmate being placed under increased security that is most likely a maximum security prison or supermax prison.
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There are various types of prison escapes, depending on the methods used by the inmates, the circumstances of their confinement, and the level of security of the facility. Some escapes are planned and executed over a long period of time, while others are spontaneous and opportunistic. Some escapes involve violence or weapons, while others rely on stealth or deception. Some escapes are aided by external sources, while others are done solo.
According to statistics, more than 25,000 inmates escape from prison each year worldwide. In the United States, the number of escapees from state or federal prisons was 2,231 in 2019, a decrease from the previous year, when 2,351 prisoners escaped from facilities across the country. However, these numbers do not include escapes from local jails, immigration detention centers, or juvenile facilities.
Prison escapes have serious consequences for both society and law enforcement. Escaped prisoners pose a significant risk to public safety and security, as they may commit further crimes, violence, or threats while on the run. In addition, prison breaks can lead to severe budgetary constraints for law enforcement agencies, as they have to allocate more resources and manpower to pursue and recapture escapees. Furthermore, prison escapes can also have a negative impact on the reputation and credibility of the prison system, as they expose its flaws and weaknesses in security and management.
In this article, we will explore some of the most common methods of prison escape, the consequences of escaping from prison for different stakeholders, and some of the measures taken by prisons and law enforcement agencies to prevent and respond to prison escapes.
<h2 Methods of Prison Escape
Prisoners use various methods to escape from prison, depending on the type and level of security of the facility, the availability of tools and resources, and the degree of planning and preparation involved. Some of the most common methods of prison escape are:
Cell Escape
Cell escape is the method of escaping from one's own cell or cell block within the prison. This usually involves using tools, such as keys, saws, or metal files, to unlock or cut through the cell door or bars. Alternatively, some prisoners may use vents, pipes, or tunnels to access other parts of the prison or the outside world. For example, in 1962, three inmates from Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary in San Francisco used spoons and a drill to widen the ventilation ducts in their cells and escaped through them to the roof of the prison. They then used a makeshift raft to cross the bay and were never seen again.
Containment Penetration
Containment penetration is the method of breaking through or slipping past the physical barriers of the prison, such as fences, walls, gates, or doors. This usually involves using tools, such as wire cutters, ropes, or ladders, to climb over or cut through the fences or walls. Alternatively, some prisoners may use gaps, holes, or weak spots in the barriers to squeeze through or crawl under them. For example, in 2015, two inmates from Clinton Correctional Facility in New York used power tools to cut through steel pipes and walls and escaped through a manhole outside the prison. They were on the run for three weeks before one was killed and the other was captured.
Physical Force
Physical force is the method of using violence or weapons to overpower guards or staff and escape from prison. This usually involves attacking or threatening the guards or staff with fists, knives, guns, or explosives, and taking their keys, uniforms, or vehicles. Alternatively, some prisoners may use riots, disturbances, or fires to create chaos and confusion and escape in the midst of it. For example, in 2013, six inmates from St. Jerome Detention Centre in Quebec used a hijacked helicopter to land on the roof of the prison and escape with the help of two accomplices. They were arrested within a few hours after a massive manhunt.
Deception
Deception is the method of using disguises, fake documents, or other tricks to fool authorities and escape from prison. This usually involves impersonating guards, staff, visitors, or other inmates, and using their credentials, uniforms, or identities to walk out of the prison unnoticed. Alternatively, some prisoners may use forged papers, such as court orders, release forms, or transfer orders, to convince authorities that they are authorized to leave the prison legally. For example, in 2001, four inmates from Nova Scotia Correctional Facility in Canada used a fax machine and a fake lawyer's letterhead to send a bogus court order to the prison, stating that they had been granted bail. They were released without verification and remained at large for several days.
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Failure to Return
Failure to return is the method of escaping from prison by not returning after being granted temporary release, such as work release, furlough, or parole. This usually involves violating the terms and conditions of the release, such as reporting back to prison, wearing an electronic monitor, or staying within a certain area. Alternatively, some prisoners may use their release as an opportunity to plan and execute a more permanent escape, such as obtaining fake identities, passports, or transportation. For example, in 1979, Ted Bundy, a notorious serial killer who was sentenced to death in Florida escaped from prison by not returning after being allowed to visit a courthouse library for his legal research. He fled to Colorado and then to Washington, where he committed more murders before being recaptured.
Escape from Outside
Escape from outside is the method of escaping from prison while being transported or escorted outside the prison, such as to court, hospital, or other facilities. This usually involves using tools, weapons, or violence to break free from restraints, guards, or vehicles during transit or at the destination. Alternatively, some prisoners may use deception, bribery, or collusion to persuade or manipulate authorities or accomplices to help them escape during transport or escort. For example, in 2018, two inmates from Jasper County Detention Center in South Carolina escaped from a transport van while being taken to another facility. They managed to unlock their handcuffs and overpower the guards with the help of two other inmates who were also in the van. They then fled on foot and stole a car before being caught by the police.
Outside Help
Outside help is the method of escaping from prison with the assistance of external sources, such as family, friends, accomplices, or corrupt officials. This usually involves receiving tools, weapons, information, or transportation from outside the prison, either through smuggling, communication, or coordination. Alternatively, some prisoners may receive help from inside the prison, such as from guards, staff, or other inmates who are bribed, blackmailed, or coerced to facilitate their escape. For example, in 2015, Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman, a notorious drug lord who was held in a maximum security prison in Mexico escaped from prison with the help of his associates who dug a tunnel under his cell and provided him with a motorcycle to ride through it. He also had access to a cell phone and a GPS watch to communicate and navigate his escape. He was recaptured after six months.
Consequences of Prison Escape
Prison escapes have serious consequences for different stakeholders, such as the escapees themselves, the society at large, and the prison system. Some of the consequences are:
For the Escapees
For the escapees, escaping from prison may seem like a way to regain their freedom and avoid their punishment, but it also comes with many risks and challenges. Some of the consequences for the escapees are:
Legal penalties and sanctions: Escaping from prison is a criminal offense in most countries, and it can result in additional charges, sentences, or security measures for the escapees. For example, in the United States, escaping from federal prison can carry a penalty of up to five years in prison, while escaping from state prison can vary depending on the state laws. In addition, escapees may lose their eligibility for parole, good time credits, or other privileges that could reduce their original sentence.
Risks and challenges in evading capture and surviving outside prison: Escaping from prison does not guarantee that the escapees will be able to avoid capture and live a normal life outside prison. On the contrary, escapees face many dangers and difficulties in hiding their identity, finding shelter, food, money, or medical care, and avoiding detection by law enforcement agencies or bounty hunters. Escapees may also have to deal with physical or mental health issues, such as injuries, illnesses, stress, or trauma that result from their escape or their previous incarceration.
For the Society
For the society at large, escaping from prison can have a negative impact on public safety and security, as well as on the economic and social well-being of the community. Some of the consequences for the society are:
Impact on public safety and security: Escaped prisoners pose a significant threat to public safety and security, as they may commit further crimes, violence, or threats while on the run. Some escapees may have violent histories or affiliations, such as murderers, rapists, terrorists, or gang members, and they may target their victims, rivals, or enemies after escaping. Some escapees may also have access to weapons, explosives, or drugs that can endanger themselves or others. For example, in 2017, seven inmates escaped from a prison in South Carolina and killed two correctional officers during their escape. They were armed with guns and knives and were considered extremely dangerous.
Costs and resources involved in pursuing and recapturing escapees: Prison breaks can also lead to severe budgetary constraints for law enforcement agencies, as they have to allocate more resources and manpower to pursue and recapture escapees. This can include deploying officers, vehicles, helicopters, dogs, or drones to track down escapees, offering rewards or incentives for information or tips leading to their capture, or collaborating with other agencies or jurisdictions to coordinate their efforts. This can also divert resources and attention away from other crimes or emergencies that require law enforcement intervention. For example, in 2014, two inmates escaped from a prison in New York and triggered a massive manhunt that lasted for three weeks and cost more than $23 million.
For the Prison System
For the prison system, escaping from prison can also have a negative impact on the reputation and credibility of the system, as well as on the morale and performance of the staff and inmates. Some of the consequences for the prison system are:
Effects on reputation and credibility: Prison escapes can expose the flaws and weaknesses of the prison system in terms of security and management. This can result in loss of trust, confidence, or accountability of the prison authorities and officials. This can also lead to public outcry, criticism, or scrutiny of the prison system and its policies and practices. For example, in 2016, a report by the U.S. Department of Justice found that the Federal Bureau of Prisons had failed to monitor and prevent escapes from its minimum security facilities, where more than 30 inmates had escaped in a year. The report also found that the bureau had not reported or investigated some of the escapes properly.
Measures taken to prevent and respond to prison escapes: Prison escapes can also prompt the prison system to take measures to improve its security and management, as well as to prevent and respond to future escapes. This can include reviewing and revising its procedures, protocols, and standards for inmate classification, supervision, and movement; improving its physical and technological security features, such as locks, alarms, cameras, or sensors; investing in staff training, development, and retention; and enhancing its communication and cooperation with other agencies or stakeholders. For example, in 2018, after a series of escapes from prisons in Brazil, the government announced plans to build 30 new prisons and to increase security measures in existing ones.
Conclusion
Prison escape is a complex and challenging phenomenon that affects various aspects of society and law enforcement. Prisoners use different methods to escape from prison, depending on their circumstances and opportunities. However, escaping from prison does not guarantee freedom or happiness for the escapees, as they face many legal, physical, and emotional consequences. Moreover, prison escapes have a negative impact on public safety and security, as well as on the reputation and credibility of the prison system. Therefore, it is important for prisons and law enforcement agencies to take measures to prevent and respond to prison escapes, as well as to improve their security and management.
What do you think about prison escape? Do you know any famous or notorious cases of prison escape? How would you prevent or respond to prison escape if you were in charge of a prison or a law enforcement agency? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about prison escape:
What is the difference between prison escape and prison break?
Prison escape is a general term that refers to any act of an inmate leaving prison through unofficial or illegal ways. Prison break is a specific type of prison escape that involves a large number of inmates escaping from prison at the same time, usually with the help of outside sources or coordinated planning.
What are some of the most famous or notorious cases of prison escape?
Some of the most famous or notorious cases of prison escape are:
The Great Escape: In 1944, during World War II, 76 Allied prisoners of war escaped from Stalag Luft III, a German prisoner-of-war camp, through a tunnel dug under the camp. Only three of them reached freedom, while 50 were executed by the Nazis.
The Texas Seven: In 2000, seven inmates escaped from John B. Connally Unit, a maximum security prison in Texas, by overpowering guards and staff and stealing their uniforms and weapons. They committed several robberies and murders while on the run, before being captured or killed by the police.
The Alcatraz Escape: In 1962, three inmates from Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary in San Francisco used spoons and a drill to widen the ventilation ducts in their cells and escaped through them to the roof of the prison. They then used a makeshift raft to cross the bay and were never seen again.
What are some of the factors that influence prison escape?
Some of the factors that influence prison escape are:
The type and level of security of the facility: Prisons with higher levels of security, such as maximum security or supermax prisons, have more physical and technological barriers, such as fences, walls, locks, alarms, cameras, or sensors, that make it harder for inmates to escape. They also have more strict procedures, protocols, and standards for inmate classification, supervision, and movement, that limit their opportunities to escape.
The availability of tools and resources: Inmates who have access to tools, such as keys, saws, wire cutters, or power tools, can use them to unlock or cut through their cell doors or bars, or the physical barriers of the prison. Inmates who have access to resources, such as money, phones, or contacts, can use them to obtain information, assistance, or transportation from outside sources.
The degree of planning and preparation involved: Inmates who plan and prepare their escape over a long period of time can increase their chances of success, as they can gather tools, resources, information, or allies that can help them escape. They can also study the prison layout, routines, and weaknesses, and choose the best time, place, and method to escape. Inmates who escape spontaneously or opportunistically may have less chances of success, as they may act on impulse, emotion, or desperation, and may not have the necessary tools, resources, information, or allies to escape. They may also face more risks and challenges in evading capture and surviving outside prison.
The motivation and personality of the inmates: Inmates who have strong motivation to escape from prison, such as fear, anger, revenge, or ambition, may be more determined and persistent in their attempts to escape. They may also be more willing to take risks or use violence to escape. Inmates who have low motivation to escape from prison, such as satisfaction, resignation, or hopelessness, may be less likely to attempt or succeed in escaping. They may also be more compliant or cooperative with the prison authorities and staff. In addition, inmates who have certain personality traits, such as intelligence, creativity, charisma, or adaptability, may have more skills or abilities to plan and execute their escape.
What are some of the measures taken to prevent and respond to prison escape?
Some of the measures taken to prevent and respond to prison escape are:
Improving security features: Prisons can improve their physical and technological security features, such as locks, alarms, cameras, sensors, or biometric systems, to make it harder for inmates to escape. They can also install more fences, walls, gates, doors, or barriers to create multiple layers of security around the prison. They can also use dogs, drones, or helicopters to patrol and monitor the prison perimeter and surroundings.
Reviewing and revising procedures and protocols: Prisons can review and revise their procedures and protocols for inmate classification, supervision, and movement, to limit their opportunities to escape. They can also implement more strict and frequent checks, searches, or inspections of inmates, cells, or facilities, to detect and confiscate any tools, weapons, or contraband that could be used for escaping. They can also enforce more severe penalties or sanctions for inmates who attempt or succeed in escaping.
Investing in staff training and development: Prisons can invest in staff training and development, to enhance their skills and abilities in preventing and responding to prison escapes. They can also provide staff with more incentives, recognition, or support, to improve their morale and performance. They can also reduce staff turnover, burnout, or corruption, by offering better pay, benefits, or working conditions.
Enhancing communication and cooperation: Prisons can enhance their communication and cooperation with other agencies or stakeholders, such as law enforcement agencies, courts, hospitals, or media, to coordinate their efforts in preventing and responding to prison escapes. They can also share information, resources, or best practices with other prisons or jurisdictions, to learn from their experiences and challenges in dealing with prison escapes.
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