Vernon Francois.
The escape of two inmates from the Richfond Police Station last weekend has raised many questions on the security measures at the lock-ups and about police vigilance.
In addressing this issue, Police Commissioner Vernon Francois told the media yesterday that if there were additional security, it would have prevented the escape.
“So really this is just human error. In some other cases we have to look at the configuration of police stations,” François explained.
The police chief told media operatives that the lock-ups here are safe, especially since hundreds of prisoners are kept for a long time and have never escaped before.
However, François said that he too is equally troubled by the recent escape.
“Whenever we have a breach in security at our police station it is an area of concern for us, but it is something we are looking at, to see what went wrong or what caused it to happen,” he stated.
According to him, there is always a possibility that a prisoner may escape. “There have more sophisticated facilities where it has happened, “he added.
However, he promised to review the security procedures at that particular police station and possibly others.
“We will find a way and means of preventing it from happening,” he said.
François also used the opportunity to urge police officials across the island to remain on high alert and be more vigilant.
The two inmates escaped the Richfond Police Station lock-up in Dennery on Saturday, September 27 by breaking open a cell door.
They were discovered missing at around 11:30 a.m. that same day. They were were among five prisoners on remand at the station when the breakout occurred.
At the time of the escape, they were both on commitment warrants and were to be transferred to the Bordelais Correctional Facility.
One of them was recently remanded for possession of two rounds of ammunition and is a suspect in a recent shooting incident. The other man was remanded for breaking into a house.
The police was successful in recapturing one of the escapees on Sunday, Sept. 28 in La Caye, Dennery. The other suspect is still at large.
The police press office revealed that the suspect on the run had given the police a wrong name, and had previous convictions.