Pittsburgh Prison Escape Highlights Lax Security Policies

The Jan. 8 escape of six prisoners from the State Correctional Institution at Pittsburgh set off alarm bells for state officials, who had long ignored the union’s warnings about lax security procedures in the maximum security facility.

An internal investigation by the Department of Corrections resulted in the demotion and transfer of the facility’s superintendent, the retirement of one of his assistants, and the demotion and transfer of another.

"These things had been brought to management’s attention for five years to no avail," says Rudy Arensberg, president of AFSCME Local 2500 (Council 13), which represents workers at the facility. "We had inmates working with tools, being given tools to carry around unescorted."

As a result of the escape, the state has demanded that the facility step up its security. Specifics include increased supervision of inmates, greater control over tools and keys and — in an effort to enhance communications — regular meetings with workers.

The inmates escaped through a tunnel they dug inside a locked crawl space. They used their access to blueprints and keys, as well as stolen power tools and a stolen two-way radio.

All six inmates were captured in Texas within two weeks of their escape.