‘Why aren’t prisoners given ankle bracelets when they are taken to hospital?’ This question was not only asked by ‘Krone’ reader Anton after the last four escapes from hospitals. On Wednesday, the Ministry of Justice decided to take tougher action against so-called escorts.
As reported, about two weeks ago a prisoner from the women’s prison in Schwarzau (Lower Austria), who was unguarded at the time, and an Afghan (16) each from the regional clinic Wr. Neustadt (Lower Austria) fled. Both were picked up again this week in Vienna. However, a high-security prisoner from Krems-Stein (Lower Austria) is still on the run. Because the mentally deviant prisoner (28) from Josefstadt in Vienna, who managed to escape from the AKH by taxi (!) on Thursday, is also back in custody.
Security conference of all prisons
After the recent series of accidents involving so-called escorts – i.e. legal or medical appointments outside prison walls – things are now becoming increasingly tight. On November 15, detention rooms in 21 prisons were searched for items that could aid escape. A security conference took place on Friday with representatives from all prisons. As the Ministry of Justice revealed to the “Krone”, all escorts would now be carried out under special security measures.
There are only a few exceptions for back supports
Specifically, there is an order to tie the hands of prisoners behind them – and no longer in front of them! A corresponding decree has currently been sent to the prisons. An exception only applies for medical reasons. Then in addition to the handcuffs for the body, there is a seat belt using a lap belt. A “decisive and at the same time appropriate response to the latest incidents,” the ministry said.
Prison guards are also taking measures
An experienced officer anonymously told the “Kronen” that tying the hands behind the back was already possible for escorts. Prison guards who accompany the prisoner to these appointments have always had a say in such a choice of measures. He says that with more than 2,000 escorts in his career, he often opted for ankle cuffs, a belt or something similar. The problem: Many people apparently didn’t dare to do it – because they didn’t know or because they were afraid of criticism.
Escorts are becoming fewer and fewer
To some extent, the four incidents were just bad luck, he says. Because the vast majority of escorts would end up without any major incidents. The Ministry of Justice confirms this assumption: of the 36,000 escorts carried out this year, only four escaped. Such excursions are also limited. In 2020 there were still 45,200 escorts nationally, in 2022 there were only 37,900. This year, after the four incidents, there probably won’t be many more.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
