After a man escaped from the Jefferson County Detention Facility nearly three weeks ago, the Jeffco Sheriff’s Office asked the Board of Commissioners to reallocate funds to repair and enhance the security meshing system for the jail’s five recreation yards.
The project would cost an estimated $100,000 and funds are available, according to division chief Jeff Shrader. Commissioners agreed to the request.
On Oct. 5, inmate Travis Sandlin became the first person to ever escape from the jail when he broke through a small gap in the fencing in one of the recreation areas.
Sandlin was at-large for 11 days and stole six cars and several credit cards across the Front Range. He was recaptured Oct. 16 in Boulder and is back in the Jefferson County Jail.
“There’s a need for us to look at security measures. We can’t afford to have this happen again,” facility safety deputy Grant Mason said.
Enhancements would include installation of new vertical steel tubing to increase security and longevity. The security meshing at all five recreation yards is 28 years old and has been worn down by weather, Shrader told the commissioners Tuesday.
Detentions division chief Patricia Woodin said inmates also have been testing the meshing for weakness and over time the meshing has “met its match.”
She said the recreation yards have been closed until the changes are made.
Joe Vaccarelli: 303-954-2396, jvaccarelli@denverpost.com or twitter.com/joe_vacc
