Prison Escapes in the United States: Frequency and Techniques

Prison escapes from U.S. prisons may be infrequent, but they are not unheard of. These rare events often occur under specific conditions and are met with various levels of success and consequences. This article delves into the frequency of prison escapes, the techniques involved, and the security measures employed to prevent such occurrences.

How Common Are Prison Escapes?

According to data from 2000 to 2018, an average of 2,000 inmates escaped from state and federal prisons in the United States annually. In 2018 alone, 2,353 inmates escaped from prisons in the U.S. While these numbers may seem daunting, it is important to keep in mind that the vast majority of prisoners never attempt an escape, and the vast majority of escape attempts fail.

Prison Escape Techniques

The methods used by inmates to escape from prisons can be as varied and inventive as the prisoners themselves. However, these attempts are generally categorized into two main types: escapes from the prison itself and escapes while being escorted by officers. The latter can occur when prisoners are being transported to court, medical appointments, or other locations.

Escape from the Prison

Those who attempt to escape from the prison walls often employ a combination of stealth, ingenuity, and sometimes sheer luck. Security measures such as high walls, razor wire, and surveillance cameras make these attempts extremely challenging. However, inmates have found ways to circumvent these security measures. For instance, they may use tools to chip away at the walls, or they may wait for a diversionary tactic such as a snowstorm to create an opportunity.

Escapes While Escorting

Escapes during transportation are less frequent but can be just as dramatic. Prisoners being escorted may attempt to overpower officers, or they might use the opportunity to slip away unnoticed. In some cases, prisoners have been known to stage elaborate schemes to divert guards, such as pretending to be ill and requesting transportation to a medical facility.

Prison Security Measures

To prevent escapes, prisons employ a variety of security measures. The walls are not just high but are also heavily reinforced with razor wire. Additionally, gates and fences are subject to highly detailed inspections. The staff and security personnel undergo rigorous training to recognize potential threats and respond accordingly. While some measures are kept confidential for obvious reasons, other protocols, such as the constant presence of guards and alarm systems, are well-known.

Notable Escape Attempts and Incidents

Not all escape attempts are successful, and some can have shocking outcomes. For instance, during a blinding snowstorm, two inmates managed to escape their cellblock and cross several fences, only to become entangled in razor wire. On other occasions, prisoners have fallen victim to the security measures, such as the fatal incident where a prisoner lost a significant amount of flesh due to hanging in the razor wire.

A particularly unusual escape involved death row prisoners from a Virginia prison in the 1980s, known as the “Mecklenburg Six.” In this case, the prisoners utilized an incredibly simple and unexpected method to escape, leading the guards to inadvertently open the prison gates for them. This incident demonstrates the unpredictability and cunning involved in prison escape attempts.

Aftermath and Consequences

Catch rates for escaped inmates are typically high, with many being recaptured within days or weeks. When discovered, the escapees are often faced with significant additional time added to their sentences. For instance, in some U.S. states, the automatic addition of 18 months to their sentences is a common consequence. This harsh penalty serves as a deterrent for potential escapees.

One former prisoner who worked in the UK prison service emphasized the difficulty of escape attempts, noting that even at minimum custody level facilities with less security, escapes are rare. Furthermore, the psychological impact on both the attempters and the successful escapees can be severe, with some inmates giving up after hearing the "Locked and Loaded" sound that signals a heightened security response.

Conclusion

While prison escapes in the United States are relatively rare, they continue to be a subject of interest due to their infrequent and dramatic nature. The security measures employed by prisons and the ingenuity displayed by escapees highlight the complex balance between security and the human element in the incarceration system. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for both those involved in the prison system and the broader public.