| Security Tightened at Penitentiary after Tunnel Discovered |
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SECURITY TIGHTENED AT PENITENTIARY IN WAKE OF TUNNEL DISCOVERY
Security measures are being enhanced at Oregon´s twelve correctional facilities since yesterday´s discovery of an unfinished tunnel at Oregon State Penitentiary.
Shortly after the tunnel was discovered, all prisons were notified of the incident and ordered to be alert to the possibility of copy cat or other escape plans.
The tunnel found in the loading dock area of the penitentiary´s kitchen was sealed at 2 p.m. today. It will be filled early next week.
The State Police, Oregon Department of Corrections investigators and the penitentiary´s security management staff are all working to answer questions of how inmates could dig through and dispose of concrete and dirt, why they weren´t missed, how long the tunnel had been in progress and which inmates were involved.
"No one wants to know the answers more than we do," said Corrections Director Dave Cook. "Seven inmate suspects have been segregated so far and everyone who is responsible will be disciplined and prosecuted to the full extent of the law, including charges for Attempted Escape."
Until those questions are answered, the state´s prisons are stepping up security practices, many of which were already being enhanced according to plan but will now be accelerated as a result of the tunnel.
One security practice that is immediately being addressed is the inventory of tools that inmates use in performing their work. The prisons keep track of implements known as "critical" tools — tools that have the potential to be used as weapons or escape devices. Some of the more obvious critical tools are knives, blades, saws, electrical cords, welding torches, sharpening stones, dough cutters and so on. Tighter and more strict accountability practices are being pursued for more common implements and utensils such as pliers, spoons, forks, wooden spoons, and ladles.
The higher security institutions were immediately directed to have staff inspect the physical plant structure of the facilities as well as enhance area searches. Staff do everything from search inmates´ personal belongings to rattling bars. These inspections and searches are normal security operational procedure but are being stepped up and enhanced as a result of the escape attempt.
Another security practice evaluated today was the supervision of inmates on work assignments and the types and numbers of inmates assigned to particular jobs. Also supervision of inmates in areas not readily visible to staff is being evaluated.
Additionally, all institution security practices and operations were audited in 1996 and 1997. The recommendations and action plans from the audits are being implemented.
The state prison system has experienced growth in the numbers of violent inmates, inmates with long sentences and inmates with life sentences who have nothing to lose by attempting to escape. "It´s a challenge that we face every day in managing a tough population who are resolved to defeat our security operations," noted Al Chandler, assistant director for institutions. "However we are committed to ensuring our institutions are as safe and secure as possible."
last revision 2-28-2000 peg cook
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