On Wednesday, July 3, inmate James Myers escaped from the main compound of the Mansfield Correctional Institution (MANCI) at 9:10 p.m. MANCI is an adult, male, close security (level 3) facility with a minimum (level 1) security camp. An internal investigation ensued and the report from that investigation was released yesterday by the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections.
Inmate Myers was a level 3 security inmate assigned to the maintenance department.
Inmate Myers facilitated his escape by hiding in the back of the maintenance area after the employees left for the evening at approximately 8 p.m. He then used a pick-axe, which he had previously hidden inside the maintenance department area, to break the locks in the tool storage area to obtain three ladders which were secured by a chain and padlock.
Inmate Myers used the ladders to breach the security fence around the maintenance building, as well as the two 14 foot security fences surrounding the perimeter of the facility. Myers was apprehended the next day, Thursday, July 4, 2013, at 6:40 p.m. in the town of Olivesburg, Ohio, approximately 8 miles from the prison.
As a result of the security breach, The Department of Rehabilitation and Correction is leading an investigation within ManCi to improve upon existing procedures. Five areas of concern are being reevaluated:
Tool control- Inmate Myers was able to obtain certain tools in order to achieve his escape, therefore, immediate action is taking place that will involve a revision of the set policy on tool storage and accessibility of the tools to the inmates.
Inmate accountability- Inmate Myers was able to maneuver his way around facilities undetected and without an escort, therefore, policies on work assignments will be thoroughly revised to increase security and accountability.
Institutional Count Procedure- count procedures are currently in place, but JoEllen Smith, Communications Chief for the Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (ODRC), said no count was executed at the beginning or end of Myers’ shift. Revision of the current policies will be facilitated by ODRC.
Perimeter Security- Microwave and fence alarms were triggered by inmate Myers but nothing, if anything, was done in response to these alarms. Therefore, an analyis of current cameras and alarms will determine the status of their function, and a schedule will be determined for when these systems are reviewed.
Administrative Oversight- There is no evidence that the shortcomings in tool control and inmate accountability were detected by administrative staff during rounds, nor were they noted by external auditors or regional site visit teams. An Internal Management Audit will take place because of this.
“The agency is still evaluating the findings of the investigation to determine additional future personnel actions against these and possibly other employees whose actions or inactions may have contributed to Myers’ escape,” said Smith.
“The strongest possible actions,” continued Smith, “will be pursued against the appropriate employees to hold them accountable for the escape, and to ensure that a similar incident does not occur in the future at MANCI or any other ODRC facility.”
“The agency is still evaluating the findings of the investigation to determine additional future personnel actions against these and possibly other employees whose actions or inactions may have contributed to Myers’ escape,” said JoEllen Smith of ODRC.
