If an escape occurs outside the facility during a work squad or transport, what should be done?

• A. Securing remaining inmates and following standard procedures.
• B. Close all doors and wait.
• C. Call outside law enforcement only.
• D. Ignore and continue operations.

Answer: (A)

The situation tests how quickly you implement containment and accountability by following established response procedures. When an escape occurs during transport or a work squad outside the facility, the priority is to contain the incident and account for everyone involved. Securing the remaining inmates and following the facility’s standard procedures accomplishes that: it stops further movement, locks down the area as required, yields an accurate roll call, and moves the response through the proper channels (alerts control, coordinates with responding staff, and engages law enforcement as dictated by policy). This organized approach minimizes risk to staff, inmates, and the public and supports a swift, coordinated resolution.

Closing doors and waiting delays the response and could let the escapee slip away or create further danger. Relying on outside law enforcement alone without adhering to internal procedures can lead to gaps in communication and coordination. Ignoring the incident and continuing operations is unsafe and inappropriate.