By C1 Staff
SANDUSKY COUNTY — Despite a high number of local escapes this month, the jail in Sandusky County is assuring residents that it takes all security measures “very seriously.”
The News-Messenger reports that Chief Deputy Bruce Hirt of the Sandusky County Sheriff’s Office said the jail has not adjusted any of its policies or regulations in light of the recent escapes.
In the event of an escape, according to Hirt, the jail would go under a lockdown and do a headcount of inmates to determine how many escaped. As deputies try to conclude how the escape occurred, local police departments would be notified and a photograph of the inmate would be released to the public. Any off-duty officers would be called in to assist with locating the escapee.
In recent years, the jail has only had one escape when a man managed to boost himself over a wall in the outside rec area and then crawl through a steel mesh area between the wall and roof. He only traveled about 300 feet before he was captured.
Inmates included in the jail’s work program can only be considered if they are not an escape risk. Inmates are charged with felony escape if they attempt to leave.
“If one of these guys decides to walk away, it’s worse for them than for anyone else,” said Ken Buchele, who coordinates the jail’s work program.