The rural Mississippi jail that was the site of an escape involving two murder suspects earlier this month was having surveillance camera issues at the time, ABC News has learned.
“The DVR system responsible for recording surveillance footage has been out of operation for several weeks,” Claiborne County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Christy Sykes told ABC News by email. “I must clarify that there is no actual video footage of the escape itself.”
The escape occurred around 2:20 a.m. on July 5 at the Claiborne County Detention Center in Port Gibson, located around an hour drive southwest from Jackson.
Jackson-based ABC affiliate WAPT reported at the time that Dezarrious Johnson, 18, and Tyrekennel Collins, 24, were being held on murder charges from other Mississippi counties. They were taken back into custody the next day at an abandoned home.
“Our investigations have revealed that the escape did occur through the ceiling and then outside the wall, but these conclusions were drawn from physical evidence and witness statements rather than from video recordings,” Sykes said. “Our surveillance had not been accessible for a few weeks.”
In these booking photos released by the Claiborne County Sheriff Department, Tyrekennel Collins and Dezarrious Johnson are shown.
Claiborne County Sheriff Department
The lack of surveillance footage was disclosed after ABC News filed a request under the Mississippi Public Records Act seeking recordings of the escape.
Sykes has not yet responded to questions asking when the camera issues began and whether they have since been resolved.
The recent escape of two murder suspects from a Mississippi jail has raised serious concerns about the effectiveness of surveillance cameras in correctional facilities. The escape, which occurred after weeks of reported issues with the jail’s surveillance system, has highlighted the potential dangers of relying on faulty technology to monitor inmates.
According to reports, the two suspects were able to escape from their cells and make their way out of the jail undetected due to a malfunctioning surveillance camera system. The cameras in the jail were reportedly not functioning properly for several weeks leading up to the escape, with multiple cameras either not recording or displaying distorted images.
This lapse in surveillance has raised questions about the level of security and oversight in the jail, as well as the potential risks posed by inadequate monitoring systems. In a high-security facility such as a jail, it is crucial that surveillance cameras are fully operational and able to provide real-time monitoring of inmates and their activities.
The escape of the murder suspects has also highlighted the need for regular maintenance and testing of surveillance equipment in correctional facilities. It is essential that all cameras are regularly inspected and maintained to ensure they are functioning properly and able to capture clear, accurate footage.
In addition to technical issues with surveillance cameras, there have also been concerns raised about staffing levels and training at the Mississippi jail. Some reports have suggested that there may have been a lack of adequate supervision and monitoring of inmates, which could have contributed to the escape.
Moving forward, it is imperative that corrections officials take immediate action to address the issues with surveillance cameras and ensure that all equipment is functioning properly. This may involve conducting a thorough review of the existing camera system, implementing regular maintenance schedules, and providing additional training for staff members responsible for monitoring the cameras.
Ultimately, the escape of the murder suspects from the Mississippi jail serves as a stark reminder of the importance of maintaining effective surveillance systems in correctional facilities. In order to prevent future incidents and ensure the safety and security of both inmates and staff, it is essential that all necessary measures are taken to address any issues with surveillance equipment promptly and effectively.
