NEWS

Contacts: Lt. Mark Stichter, 714.904.7042

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MKStichter@ocsd.org
Carrie Braun, 714.552.5795
CBraun@ocsd.org

Jail Escape Investigation Update from Sheriff Hutchens

SANTA ANA, Calif. (February 18, 2016) - In January 2016, three inmates escaped from the Central Men's Jail
in Santa Ana. All three inmates were returned to custody without significant harm to the community.
A thorough investigation into the circumstances around the escape and the factors that contributed to it started
immediately. This comprehensive administrative investigation continues, and will cover all causal factors and
opportunities for improvement to department policy and the jail facility.
"I want the Orange County community to know that we take very seriously and personally our responsibility to
provide a safe and secure community," said Sheriff Sandra Hutchens. "While that care and concern is
important, it is not enough. Action is required. I have made it my personal mission to take immediate action to
ensure that a situation like this does not happen again. From the moment we learned of the escape, I directed
my staff to examine every area of vulnerability inside the jail. Some improvements have already been made,
and many will continue to be made throughout the course of this investigation.
"I am committed to continually providing updates as this investigation moves forward, and being as transparent
and forthcoming as I am able. Know that we are doing everything we can to make certain that Orange County
remains the safe community we all love," said Sheriff Hutchens.
Sheriff Hutchens provided an update today to the Orange County Board of Supervisors via the attached letter.
She will meet with the Board of Supervisors at her request in closed session on February 23, and will continue
to update the Board and the public as the investigation moves forward.

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