What Happens in Prison if an Inmate is Missing or Cannot be Found During Morning or Evening Count?
In prisons, strict procedures are in place to ensure the security and safety of inmates and staff. When an inmate is missing or cannot be found during a scheduled count, a series of steps are taken to locate them and address the situation.
Immediate Search and Notification
After the initial count, if an inmate is missing, rapid action is taken. Staff will begin an immediate search of the facility. This includes checking all possible areas such as cells, common areas, and outside spaces. The prison administration is promptly notified, and higher authorities, including security personnel and possibly local law enforcement, are alerted depending on the circumstances.
Preliminary Steps: Identification and Roll Call
Preliminary steps involve additional roll call checks to verify the identities of all inmates. Staff may conduct a standing roll call where everyone stands and shows their identification, reciting their information. Workers may be required to return to their dormitories and go through a similar identification process. This ensures that everyone in the facility is accounted for and helps identify any discrepancies.
Lockdown Procedures
The facility may enter a lockdown mode to ensure the safety of all inmates and staff. During this period, movement is restricted to prevent any escape attempts and to maintain order. Access to the facility is limited, and security is heightened to protect against any potential issues.
Thorough Recount and Investigation
Once the immediate search and lockdown procedures are in place, staff will conduct a thorough recount to confirm the number of inmates present. Security footage is reviewed, and interviews with staff and inmates are conducted to gather more information. Signs of escape or any suspicious activities are carefully examined to understand the situation better.
Potential Consequences
If the inmate is eventually found, the situation could have severe consequences. Additional security measures may be implemented to prevent future issues. The inmate could face disciplinary action or additional charges. The incident may be documented, and processes may be reviewed to enhance security and prevent such occurrences in the future.
These procedures can vary based on the facility's policies, the security level of the prison, and the specific circumstances surrounding the missing inmate.
Additional EXAMPLE:
As an example, my first time in prison, I was 19 years old and sent to a very old prison that used to be an army base during the Vietnam War. It had a reputation for missing inmates at least three for years, with the belief that they had escaped. A new warden implemented a thorough shake-down of the entire kitchen. When the big ovens were removed from the walls, they were bolted into the ground. Inside, the team found the skeletal remains that had been cooking for who knows how long behind those ovens. This incident highlighted the importance of strict security and the potential risks in older facilities.
Understanding and following these procedures is crucial for maintaining the safety and security of all inmates and staff in a prison setting.