A former police chief, dubbed the “Devil in the Ozarks,” recently escaped from an Arkansas prison, highlighting serious security flaws. Grant Hardin managed to flee the Calico Rock facility after months of careful planning. He worked in the kitchen, which he described as having “very lax” security, allowing him to gather supplies for his escape.
According to a review by the Arkansas Department of Corrections, Hardin designed a fake law enforcement uniform from items he found in the kitchen. He even created a phony badge from a can lid. He hid his escape gear in a trash can, knowing it wouldn’t be searched. His plan was to walk up to the gate and instruct the officer on duty to let him through, which he did.
He was eventually captured on June 6, just a short distance from the prison. Dogs tracked his scent about a mile and a half away, although there was concern he might have fled the state. Authorities faced challenges during the search due to heavy rain, using drones and helicopters to comb the rugged terrain.
Two prison staff members were fired for their roles in the escape—one who left Hardin unsupervised and another who unlocked the gate without verifying who he was. This incident has sparked criticism from officials like state representative Howard Beaty, who noted that the review failed to address deeper systemic issues that allowed the escape.
Hardin’s history is troubling. He is serving multiple sentences after pleading guilty to murder and rape, including a 2017 homicide case. While serving his prison sentence, DNA linked him to a 1997 rape.
In response to the escape, the Arkansas Department of Corrections is taking steps to improve security, such as removing electric locks that allow inmates to exit without supervision and increasing surveillance cameras.
This incident raises broader concerns about prison security nationwide. Experts suggest that improving training and oversight is crucial. According to a 2022 report, over 50,000 inmates escape from U.S. prisons each year, highlighting the need for updates in facilities, policies, and technology to prevent future incidents.
As prison officials prepare for Hardin’s trial, which is set for November, this case serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance in correctional facilities. The Arkansas State Police is conducting its own investigation, and hearings are scheduled to discuss the findings further.
For more on prison security and related issues, you can read the Arkansas Department of Corrections report.
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Prison, Homicide, Sexual Assault, Escaped Prisoner, Arkansas
