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Report: Numerous security policy violations in inmate escape
Lapses led to slayings of guards, following manhunt
W inmates
In this June 21 file photo, Ricky Dubose, left, and Donnie Russell Rowe enter the Putnam County courthouse in Eatonton, Ga. Georgia corrections officials are reporting there were numerous security policy violations in the lead-up to the escape of the two inmates from a prison bus last month. - photo by Associated Press
ATLANTA — Two Georgia prison guards failed to properly search and secure their prisoners on a transfer bus, enabling two inmates to free themselves and rush forward to overpower and kill the guards who had violated numerous security procedures, officials said Friday in reports on the deadly June escape.The two reports lay the blame for the escape on the slain guards, and corrections officials said numerous procedures are being revised in response."My heart remains heavy with the realization of the gravity of these losses to the families, to our agency and to our state," Georgia Department of Corrections Commissioner Greg Dozier told reporters before detailing the report findings and plans for sweeping changes."I am determined not to allow an event like this to take place again," Dozier said.The security lapses enabled inmates Ricky Dubose and Donnie Rowe to exit the inmate compartment, overpower Sgt. Christopher Monica and Sgt. Curtis Billue and use the officers' guns to kill them, according to a report from an external review conducted after the June 13 escape.The external review conducted by representatives from several state law enforcement agencies focused on the escape. An internal review by the Department of Corrections was meant to evaluate agency security procedures for inmate transport.Dubose and Rowe carjacked a driver and sped off, sparking an intense manhunt that culminated two days later in Tennessee. The two are accused of killing Monica and Billue and face charges including murder.The external review report says it began when Monica and Billue missed what's believed to be a toothbrush when searching Rowe before he boarded the bus around 4:42 a.m. The officers failed to double-lock the inmates' restraints, which is required by policy.
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