Chapter 27 - Jail Escapes

Coordination During Jail Escapes

• Coordination between the sheriff's office, jail, and outside agencies is crucial for successful searches.
• Elapsed time between escape and search deployment should be minimized.
• Accurate and complete information about the escape and escapee must be quickly shared.
• A structured search plan is essential, identifying potential hiding places and targeting the escapee's contacts.

Supervisor Responsibilities

• The on-duty Detention Shift Commander confirms an escape and initiates a facility lockdown.
• Staff search internal areas; further staff may be involved at the commander’s discretion.
• All visitors leaving the facility must show ID.
• Basic details (time, location, description, clothing, direction of flight) to be collected.
• Contact Criminal Investigation Division supervisor regarding the escape and issue an APB.

Criminal Investigations Division Responsibilities

• The CID Shift Commander coordinates the search deployment of units.
• Upon receiving the information, command post is established; on-duty investigators and officers are summoned.
• The CID supervisor briefs, deploys, and assigns specific tasks or zones to each unit, noting possible locations, considering the escapee's criminal history and direction of flight.
• Copies of mugshots and criminal history records are distributed to relevant agencies (San Antonio Police, DPS, adjoining county sheriffs and constables).
• Escapee's belongings are analyzed to identify motives and provide investigation leads; interrogate inmates in the same cell block as the escapee.
• A list of potential hiding places and visual map of the search zone should be prepared during incident.

Patrol Division Responsibilities

• The Patrol Division Shift Commander coordinates information and communication sharing among relevant units through the dispatch center.
• Officers receive updates from the CID and Detention, relaying pertinent information.

Central Records Responsibilities

• Central Records ensures multiple copies of mugshots and criminal history reports are available quickly and disseminated for use in the investigations.

Use of Support Units

• The Sheriff may direct additional units from various divisions and staff to assist in the search.
• Including: Court Security, Narcotics Investigators, administrative staff, criminal investigators, even support from citizens is possible.
• The Crime Prevention/Criminal Intelligence Unit creates grids, search zones and plans.

Scope of Search

• The search area is divided into designated zones.
• A perimeter is established for the search, considering the escapee's direction of flight and the time elapsed.
• The Criminal Division Supervisor can redirect searching units depending on the suspected location of the escapee.
• The Adult Detention Center is thoroughly searched and includes parking lots and construction zones.
• Search procedures remain in effect until cancelled by the Sheriff.

This quiz focuses on the critical coordination required between various agencies during jail escapes. It covers the responsibilities of supervisors and the Criminal Investigations Division in managing search efforts and ensuring complete and accurate information is shared. Test your knowledge on the structured search plan and response protocols.