Little Rock, Arkansas – The Arkansas Department of Corrections (DOC) has taken swift action following the escape of inmate Grant Hardin from the North Central Unit in Calico Rock. After an extensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding Hardin’s escape, the DOC has fired two personnel members. Although the department has not revealed the identities of the individuals or the specific reasons for their termination, the decision was a direct result of the findings from the inquiry.
Hardin’s escape, which took place on May 25, was a bold and unusual one. The inmate managed to walk out of the secured entrance gate, pushing a cart that was initially believed to carry legitimate materials. However, it was later discovered that the cart contained scrap wood. What made Hardin’s escape even more concerning was his disguise. He was dressed in a fabricated law enforcement officer’s uniform, complete with a vest labeled “Police” on the back, allowing him to bypass security and slip away unnoticed.
Read also: Arkansas National Guard sends helicopter crews to help Texas respond to widespread flooding
The incident raised alarms within the Arkansas Department of Corrections, with Board of Corrections Chairman Benny Magness calling attention to the breach in security. “This escape indicated policies were not followed,” Magness said, emphasizing the gravity of the situation and the failure to uphold safety protocols. The escape highlighted critical lapses in security that allowed Hardin to impersonate a law enforcement officer, posing a serious threat to public safety.
The manhunt for Hardin was extensive, involving multiple law enforcement agencies. After an intense search lasting more than a week, Hardin was captured on June 5, less than a mile and a half from the prison. His capture was made possible with the help of a Border Patrol Tactical Response Team, which assisted in the search efforts.
DOC officials have stated that the incident has prompted a review of the department’s security protocols, as well as a deeper evaluation of the procedures in place to prevent such escapes in the future. The case has also drawn the attention of state lawmakers. On Thursday, DOC officials are set to meet with the Charitable, Penal, and Correctional Institutions Subcommittee to discuss the details of Hardin’s escape and the steps the department is taking to ensure that a similar incident does not happen again.
The firing of two DOC employees underscores the seriousness with which the department is handling the breach in security. It also sends a clear message about the department’s commitment to maintaining safety within its correctional facilities.
