Public comment recounts jail transport escape attempt, calls for shackles policy review

A county officer’s account of an inmate escape attempt during a hospital transport was delivered during public comment, with the speaker urging review of restraint policies for transports to hospitals.

John Kentsowicc, speaking at the podium, described an incident in which an inmate attempted to run from a crowded emergency room while under escort. "In the crowded emergency room, we were told the wait would be 5 to 6 hours for the inmate to be seen," he said, adding that without leg shackles the inmate "was able to get up and run, which is exactly what she did." He said he used a hands-on intervention to bring the individual to the floor and that the incident left him with a persistent muscle knot and a finger injury.

Kentsowicc said bystanders "reacted in shock" and that he worried during the chase that the subject could take a bystander hostage. He contended, "This incident did not have to happen. The leg shackles would have secured her into a position where she could not have used her feet to escape. If we had used the leg shackles, we would cover the shackles with a blanket while she would be in a wheelchair to avoid the social stigma of being the, leg shackle in public."

The speaker told the council his union provided support and reassurance about how the incident was handled. No county official response, policy change, or motion to review transport procedures was recorded during the meeting; the comment was offered during the public-comment period.