Sunday, July 13, 2003

Psychiatric facility caught allowing Murder Suspects unusual freedoms

As reported in the Cinncinatti Enquirer - A man who fled a psychiatric facility during a holiday fireworks display is one of 20 patients accused of serious crimes who have freedoms ranging from walking its grounds with an escort to leaving the hospital unescorted. Seven of the 20, including James E. Johnson Jr., are accused of murder. Fourteen are allowed to leave the hospital. Four patients accused of serious crimes, including two charged with murder, are able to leave with permission as long as they return by a designated time.

Something about the idea of protecting the public comes to mind.

This is not an isolated situation. See this detailed report from the Denver Post on how "Nearly 50 men and women held at the state psychiatric hospital for murder and other violent acts have escaped since 1990" (complete with photos, and diagrams)

No comments: