Post by Peters on Apr 21, 2009 18:01:12 GMT -5
Changes in Security at Branchville Correctional Facility
Tell City, Ind. — As a result of last month’s escape of three offenders from Branchville
Correctional Facility, several changes have been made to the facility in order to increase overall
security and to prevent future escapes. On April 11, 2009, Branchville Correctional Facility
hosted a town hall meeting to take questions and suggestions from the public. Some of these
suggestions have been taken into account and have been incorporated into the new security
procedures.
The following represents changes already implemented or in the process of implementation:
1. Branchville Correctional Facility is now classified as a low-medium security facility and
will only house offenders with eight years or less remaining on their sentences.
Offenders’ pending charges are also being taken into account when establishing their
placement at Branchville. Branchville Correctional Facility has sent approximately 80
offenders, who no longer meet the facility’s criteria, to higher security prisons across the
state. As of April 16, 2009, all offenders housed at Branchville Correctional Facility
meet the new criteria.
2. Branchville Correctional Facility is now using sentry dogs to maintain security between
the dual perimeter fences.
3. Branchville Correctional Facility has also adopted a more controlled form of offender
movement. All offender movement will take place at either the top or bottom of the hour
and for only a five minute window of time. This will allow for better offender
accountability and will also increase the level of overall offender supervision.
4. Branchville Correctional Facility is in the process of implementing a stricter set of
criteria for offenders assigned to outside work details and all maintenance positions. All
offenders assigned to these positions are being kept inside the perimeter fence until they
can be re-evaluated based on the new criteria.
5. Although not a direct result of this past incident, Branchville Correctional Facility will be
installing new “High Mast Lighting” throughout the facility to provide enhanced security
at night. The lighting and materials are on grounds and installation will begin in the near
future.
6. Offenders participating in Branchville Correctional Facility’s work crews will now be
required to wear bright yellow jumpsuits in order to make them more visible while
working outdoors.
The media and local community will be further advised as other changes are made.
Tell City, Ind. — As a result of last month’s escape of three offenders from Branchville
Correctional Facility, several changes have been made to the facility in order to increase overall
security and to prevent future escapes. On April 11, 2009, Branchville Correctional Facility
hosted a town hall meeting to take questions and suggestions from the public. Some of these
suggestions have been taken into account and have been incorporated into the new security
procedures.
The following represents changes already implemented or in the process of implementation:
1. Branchville Correctional Facility is now classified as a low-medium security facility and
will only house offenders with eight years or less remaining on their sentences.
Offenders’ pending charges are also being taken into account when establishing their
placement at Branchville. Branchville Correctional Facility has sent approximately 80
offenders, who no longer meet the facility’s criteria, to higher security prisons across the
state. As of April 16, 2009, all offenders housed at Branchville Correctional Facility
meet the new criteria.
2. Branchville Correctional Facility is now using sentry dogs to maintain security between
the dual perimeter fences.
3. Branchville Correctional Facility has also adopted a more controlled form of offender
movement. All offender movement will take place at either the top or bottom of the hour
and for only a five minute window of time. This will allow for better offender
accountability and will also increase the level of overall offender supervision.
4. Branchville Correctional Facility is in the process of implementing a stricter set of
criteria for offenders assigned to outside work details and all maintenance positions. All
offenders assigned to these positions are being kept inside the perimeter fence until they
can be re-evaluated based on the new criteria.
5. Although not a direct result of this past incident, Branchville Correctional Facility will be
installing new “High Mast Lighting” throughout the facility to provide enhanced security
at night. The lighting and materials are on grounds and installation will begin in the near
future.
6. Offenders participating in Branchville Correctional Facility’s work crews will now be
required to wear bright yellow jumpsuits in order to make them more visible while
working outdoors.
The media and local community will be further advised as other changes are made.