Arkansas lawmakers to question Department of Corrections about Grant Hardin escape

Arkansas lawmakers will question the Department of Corrections about Grant Hardin's escape from the North Central Unit in Calico Rock on July 10 at 3 p. m. Nine officials, including unit warden Thomas Hurst and Dexter Payne, Director of the Division of Correction, will present findings and discuss the incident's critical report. Chief of Communications Rand Champion highlighted the importance of learning from the escape to prevent future incidents. Hardin, a former police chief serving decades for murder and rape, escaped and was later recaptured less than two miles away.

Colonel Mike Hagar, Secretary of Public Safety, will present the Arkansas State Police's investigation of the escape. The inquiry aims to address the policies that allowed the escape and ensure accountability among the correctional staff. Lawmakers are focused on making necessary changes to correctional protocols to enhance public safety. This case highlights ongoing concerns about prison security and the management of violent offenders in Arkansas.