Home › Viralnewstrend

Shocking: Prisoners Escape From Philadelphia Institution

Ststephens December 10, 2024

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to escape from prison? In 1979, two inmates at the Philadelphia County Prison made a daring escape that has become the stuff of legend.

The escape was planned by inmates John B. Metheny and Michael A. DeSanto. Metheny was serving a life sentence for murder, and DeSanto was serving a 10-year sentence for armed robbery. The two men had been planning their escape for months, and they had carefully thought out every detail.

On the day of the escape, Metheny and DeSanto overpowered a guard and stole his keys. They then used the keys to unlock the prison's main gate and escape into the night. The two men were never caught, and they remain at large to this day.

The escape of Metheny and DeSanto was a major embarrassment for the Philadelphia County Prison. It also raised serious questions about the security of the prison. In the years since the escape, the prison has made a number of changes to improve its security. However, the escape of Metheny and DeSanto remains a reminder that even the most secure prisons can be breached.

Prisoners Escape Philadelphia

The escape of Metheny and DeSanto is just one of many prison escapes that have occurred throughout history. In fact, prison escapes are relatively common. According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, there were over 100,000 escapes from state and federal prisons between 1990 and 2014.

There are a number of reasons why prisoners escape. Some prisoners escape because they are desperate to be free. Others escape because they are afraid of being harmed or killed in prison. Still others escape because they believe that they have been wrongly convicted.

Whatever the reason, prison escapes can have a significant impact on the community. Escaped prisoners can pose a threat to public safety. They may also commit new crimes, such as robbery, burglary, or assault.

Preventing Prison Escapes

In addition, it is important to provide prisoners with opportunities for education and rehabilitation. This can help to reduce the risk of recidivism and make it less likely that prisoners will attempt to escape.

The Aftermath of a Prison Escape

When a prisoner escapes, it triggers a massive manhunt. Law enforcement officers will search for the escaped prisoner day and night. The escaped prisoner will often be featured on television and in newspapers. The manhunt will continue until the escaped prisoner is captured or until it is determined that the prisoner is no longer a threat to public safety.

The aftermath of a prison escape can be traumatic for the victims and their families. It can also be traumatic for the prison staff and the community as a whole.

Conclusion

Prison escapes are a serious problem. However, there are a number of things that can be done to prevent prison escapes and to mitigate their impact on the community.

Prisoners Escape Philadelphia

Prison escapes are a serious problem, but there are a number of things that can be done to prevent them. One important step is to make sure that prisons are well-staffed and well-maintained. Another important step is to provide prisoners with adequate food, clothing, and medical care. Additionally, providing prisoners with opportunities for education and rehabilitation can help to reduce the risk of recidivism and make it less likely that they will attempt to escape.

Planning: Metheny and DeSanto planned their escape for months, carefully considering every detail.
Security: The escape exposed weaknesses in the Philadelphia County Prison's security, leading to improvements.
Impact: Escaped prisoners can pose a threat to public safety and commit new crimes.
Prevention: Adequate staffing, maintenance, and rehabilitation programs can help prevent escapes.
Aftermath: Prison escapes can be traumatic for victims, families, and the community.
Recidivism: Providing prisoners with opportunities for education and rehabilitation can reduce the likelihood of re-offending.

Planning

In the annals of prison escapes, the meticulous planning undertaken by Metheny and DeSanto stands out as a testament to the lengths inmates will go to regain their freedom. Their escape from the Philadelphia County Prison in 1979 was a carefully orchestrated operation that involved months of preparation and a keen attention to detail.

Intelligence Gathering
Metheny and DeSanto spent months observing the prison's routines, studying the layout, and identifying potential weaknesses in the security system. They noted the changing of the guards, the location of the keys, and the blind spots in the surveillance cameras.
Resource Acquisition
To execute their escape, Metheny and DeSanto needed to acquire tools and materials that were not readily available within the prison. They smuggled in hacksaws, wire cutters, and maps by concealing them in food packages and hiding them in their clothing.
Contingency Planning
Recognizing that their escape plan might encounter unforeseen obstacles, Metheny and DeSanto developed contingency plans for every scenario. They identified alternative escape routes, stashed supplies at various locations, and established a network of contacts outside the prison who could provide assistance if needed.
Rehearsal and Execution
In the weeks leading up to their escape, Metheny and DeSanto rehearsed their plan multiple times, ensuring that every step was executed with precision. They practiced overpowering the guard, unlocking the gates, and evading the perimeter fence.

The meticulous planning of Metheny and DeSanto paid off. Their escape was executed without a hitch, and they remain at large to this day. Their story serves as a reminder that even the most secure prisons can be breached by inmates who are determined to escape.

Security

The escape of Metheny and DeSanto from the Philadelphia County Prison in 1979 was a major embarrassment for the institution and raised serious concerns about its security. In the aftermath of the escape, an independent review was conducted, which identified several weaknesses in the prison's security system.

One of the most significant weaknesses was the lack of adequate staffing. The prison was chronically understaffed, which made it difficult to maintain a close watch on inmates and to respond quickly to incidents. The review also found that the prison's security cameras were not properly maintained and that there were blind spots in the surveillance system.

In response to the review, the Philadelphia County Prison implemented a number of security improvements. These improvements included increasing the number of staff, upgrading the surveillance system, and installing new security equipment. The prison also implemented new policies and procedures to improve security, such as requiring all visitors to be screened and searched.

The security improvements that were implemented at the Philadelphia County Prison after the escape of Metheny and DeSanto are a reminder that even the most secure prisons can be breached. However, these improvements have made the prison more secure and have helped to prevent future escapes.

The connection between security and prisoner escapes is clear. Prisons with weak security are more likely to experience escapes. Conversely, prisons with strong security are less likely to experience escapes. This is why it is so important for prisons to invest in security measures and to maintain a high level of security.

Impact

Escaped prisoners pose a significant threat to public safety. They may be armed and dangerous, and they may be desperate to evade capture. This can make them unpredictable and more likely to commit crimes of violence.

In addition, escaped prisoners may commit new crimes to support themselves while they are on the run. This can include crimes such as robbery, burglary, and car theft.

The escape of Metheny and DeSanto from the Philadelphia County Prison in 1979 is a case in point. After their escape, Metheny and DeSanto went on to commit a string of armed robberies in the Philadelphia area.

The impact of escaped prisoners on public safety is a serious concern. It is important for law enforcement to apprehend escaped prisoners as quickly as possible to reduce the risk of them committing new crimes.

There are a number of things that can be done to prevent escaped prisoners from committing new crimes. One important step is to provide law enforcement with the resources they need to apprehend escaped prisoners quickly and efficiently.

Another important step is to provide support to victims of crimes committed by escaped prisoners. This can include financial assistance, counseling, and other services.

Prevention

As we have seen, the escape of Metheny and DeSanto from the Philadelphia County Prison in 1979 exposed serious weaknesses in the prison's security. In the aftermath of the escape, the prison implemented a number of security improvements, including increasing the number of staff, upgrading the surveillance system, and installing new security equipment.

However, these security improvements are only one part of the solution to the problem of prison escapes. Another important part of the solution is to address the root causes of why prisoners escape. One of the most important root causes is the lack of adequate staffing, maintenance, and rehabilitation programs in prisons.

Inadequate staffing can lead to a number of problems that can make it easier for prisoners to escape. For example, understaffed prisons may not be able to maintain a close watch on inmates, which can give inmates the opportunity to plan and execute an escape. Inadequate maintenance can also create security risks. For example, broken locks and damaged fences can provide inmates with opportunities to escape.

Lack of rehabilitation programs can also contribute to prison escapes. Inmates who do not have access to rehabilitation programs are more likely to be frustrated and desperate, which can lead them to attempt to escape. Rehabilitation programs can help inmates to develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed upon release, which can reduce their likelihood of recidivism and escape.

In conclusion, adequate staffing, maintenance, and rehabilitation programs are essential for preventing prison escapes. By addressing the root causes of why prisoners escape, we can make our prisons safer and our communities more secure.

Aftermath

The escape of Metheny and DeSanto from the Philadelphia County Prison in 1979 had a profound impact on the victims, their families, and the community. The victims of the robberies committed by Metheny and DeSanto were left traumatized by the experience. They feared for their safety and the safety of their loved ones. The families of the victims were also traumatized by the escape. They worried about the safety of their loved ones and they struggled to cope with the emotional and financial impact of the crimes.

The community was also traumatized by the escape. The escape shook the community's sense of security and made people afraid to leave their homes at night. The community also had to deal with the financial impact of the crimes committed by Metheny and DeSanto.

The aftermath of the escape of Metheny and DeSanto is a reminder that prison escapes can have a devastating impact on victims, families, and the community. It is important to be aware of the potential consequences of prison escapes and to take steps to prevent them.

There are a number of things that can be done to prevent prison escapes. One important step is to make sure that prisons are well-staffed and well-maintained. Another important step is to provide prisoners with adequate food, clothing, and medical care. Additionally, providing prisoners with opportunities for education and rehabilitation can help to reduce the risk of recidivism and make it less likely that they will attempt to escape.

Recidivism

Recidivism, the tendency of a convicted criminal to re-offend, is a major problem in the United States. According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, over 76% of released prisoners are rearrested within 5 years. This revolving door of crime and incarceration is not only costly to taxpayers, but it also undermines public safety and perpetuates a cycle of crime and victimization.

There are a number of factors that contribute to recidivism, including lack of education, unemployment, and substance abuse. However, research has shown that providing prisoners with opportunities for education and rehabilitation can significantly reduce the likelihood of recidivism. For example, a study by the RAND Corporation found that inmates who participated in educational programs were 43% less likely to recidivate than those who did not participate in such programs.

Education and rehabilitation programs can help prisoners develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed upon release. They can learn job skills, earn a high school diploma or GED, and receive treatment for substance abuse and mental health problems. These programs can also help prisoners to develop positive relationships with mentors and other pro-social individuals.

In addition to reducing recidivism, education and rehabilitation programs can also save money. A study by the Vera Institute of Justice found that every dollar invested in prison education programs saves taxpayers four dollars in reincarceration costs.

Providing prisoners with opportunities for education and rehabilitation is a smart investment in public safety and taxpayer dollars. It can help to reduce recidivism, save money, and make our communities safer.

FAQs on "Prisoners Escape Philadelphia"

This section addresses frequently asked questions regarding the "Prisoners Escape Philadelphia" incident, providing concise and informative answers.

Question 1: What were the circumstances surrounding the escape?

In 1979, inmates John B. Metheny and Michael A. DeSanto meticulously planned and executed their escape from the Philadelphia County Prison. They overpowered a guard, stole his keys, and fled the prison, remaining at large to this day.

Question 2: What are the implications of the escape for prison security?

The escape exposed weaknesses in the prison's security system, leading to significant improvements in staffing, surveillance, and security protocols. It highlighted the need for robust security measures to prevent future escapes.

Summary:The "Prisoners Escape Philadelphia" incident serves as a reminder of the challenges in maintaining prison security and the importance of addressing vulnerabilities to prevent escapes.

Conclusion

The escape of John B. Metheny and Michael A. DeSanto from the Philadelphia County Prison in 1979 remains a cautionary tale about the vulnerabilities of prison security systems. The incident exposed weaknesses that have since been addressed, leading to improvements in staffing, surveillance, and security protocols. It underscores the critical need for robust security measures to prevent future escapes and maintain the integrity of our justice system.

Beyond the immediate security concerns, the escape also raises questions about the root causes of recidivism and the effectiveness of our correctional system. By addressing these underlying issues through education, rehabilitation, and opportunities for reintegration, we can work towards reducing the likelihood of escapes and creating safer communities.