What should an officer do if they encounter an escape attempt?

When an officer encounters an escape attempt, the appropriate action is to notify the command and follow established procedures for containment and recovery. This response is crucial for several reasons.

Firstly, notifying command ensures that the appropriate resources and support can be mobilized swiftly to deal with the situation. Escape attempts can pose significant risks, not only to the safety of the officers involved but also to the public and other inmates. By following established procedures, officers can utilize a coordinated response that is likely to be more effective and safer than acting alone.

Additionally, established containment and recovery procedures are designed based on best practices and lessons learned from past incidents. These procedures typically outline critical steps for assessing the situation, securing the area, and implementing a plan to apprehend the escapee without unnecessary risk to officers or bystanders.

In contrast, ignoring the escape attempt could lead to escalating danger, especially if the escape involves violence. Attempting to apprehend the escapee alone significantly increases the risk to the officer without the backup and support necessary for a safe intervention. Closing all exits could be part of a response strategy, but it must be executed within the framework of an overall response plan rather than as a standalone action.