VOLUSIA EXPOSED

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Volusia County jail inmate escapes from DeLand hospital

Is the current self investigative process attached to Florida's county jail partially to blame for Central Florida's recent jail escapes?

Does Florida need to consider reverting back to the pre-1998 system, whereas the jails were independently investigated by State officials?

Updated
February 9, 2012

"Beware the fury of a patient man"- Poet, John Dryden

On February 7, 2012, a Volusia County jail inmate escaped from his DeLand hospital room. He was quickly re-captured by DeLand police, due largely in part, to the fact that he was still secured in leg irons.

Michael Burke

According to media accounts, the Volusia County Division of Correction will be conducting an investigation into the escape. While VolusiaExposed.Com applauds the Corrections Division's investigation into this escape, we can't ignore the fact, that prior to 1997, these escapes were also independently investigated by the Florida State Prison Inspector's office.

Prior to 1997 all Florida county jails were regulated under the authority of Florida Administrative Code 33-8. Under these regulations, any deaths, escapes or major concerns within a county jail were independently investigated by the State Prison Inspector and all 67 counties were mandated to participate with State inspectors. This is not the case today, participation and cooperation are at best voluntary.

In late 1997, the Florida State Legislature discontinued the authority of FAC 33-8. In it's place, the legislature allowed the Florida Sheriff Association to develop self-governing mandates called Florida Model Jail Standards. (FMJS)

VolusiaExposed.Com believe that county jails can not be trusted to self investigate themselves in such matters as in-custody deaths and escapes. We further support a return to the FAC 33-8 procedure of independent inspections by the State Prison Inspector.

VolusiaExposed.Com has made a public record request for the documents associated with this recent Volusia County escape. These records will be posted here upon their receipt from Volusia County officials.

Until then, we invite you to review the below articles regarding our concerns surrounding jails being allowed to self investigate themselves.