A joint investigation by the Miami Herald and NPR’s Frontline has revealed the disturbing story of convicted murderer and former police chief Hardin. He plotted his escape from an Arkansas prison for months. His story got more focus because it was included in the PBS television documentary “Devil in the Ozarks.” Hardin’s escape has understandably raised the focus on how secure prisons are and how they’re operated. As a consequence, state police and legislative committees are undertaking their own probes.
Hardin’s breakout plan exploited what he called the kitchen as lax security in the prison, where he was employed. He was able, apparently, to procure the supplies he would need for his escape, clearly suggesting that his surroundings lent themselves to preparation without being found out. He announced his intention to take cover in the forest until further notice. From there, he would travel west.
As for how Hardin was able to escape, the Arkansas state police are currently investigating. His escape was made possible by procedural lapses on the part of prison staff. After an internal investigation, two of their employees were fired for their part in the incident. Additionally, more than a dozen other employees have been suspended, and one has reportedly been demoted.
The Republicans on Beaty’s panel aren’t the only ones looking for answers, as officials at all levels try to figure out what went wrong. They were hoping to question the escape with prison officials at an oversight board hearing slated for the end of September. State Senator Ben Gilmore, another member of this special panel, expressed his alarm. He feels like the department’s internal review didn’t do enough to address the systemic problems that allowed Hardin to avoid arrest.
During his escape, Hardin approached a prison gate and directed an officer to “open the gate,” which the officer did. This outrageous lapse in security has led to a much-needed debate on whether correctional officers receive sufficient training and follow appropriate protocols.
An internal report from prison officials later found that Hardin used the kitchen to hide materials he used during his escape. He intended to stow his wardrobe and basic necessities in the bottom of the kitchen sanitation can. He reasoned that nobody would ever look there closely.
In response to these developments, Gilmore stated, “It is obvious there was a lot of confusion during the beginning stages of opening the command center and of notifications being made.” This comment underscores deeper issues around the operational effectiveness of the prison system during acute crises, such as critical incidents.
Hardin has pleaded not guilty to felony escape charges and is scheduled to go to trial in November. The still-ongoing sham events and communications will expose how he pulled off his scheme so blatantly under the radar. They will produce a report on their findings, including recommendations for corrective action to ensure similar incidents do not occur in the future.
As scrutiny continues, lawmakers are evaluating both the internal review conducted by prison officials and another report regarding the events leading up to Hardin’s escape. These discoveries have the potential to initiate serious changes in Arkansas’s correctional institutions. Their goal is to increase security and accountability among their personnel.