Report says some crime victims not told when inmates leave federal prisons on medical furlough
By APThursday, September 2, 2010
Report: Victims not told of some inmate furloughs
WASHINGTON — A new government report says federal prisons are failing to notify crime victims and witnesses when inmates are allowed to travel by themselves for medical treatment.
The report from the Justice Department’s inspector general says the federal Bureau of Prisons expects it will take until 2017 to require the notifications, after negotiations with the union that represents federal corrections officers.
The inspector says the timeframe is “excessive and unacceptable.”
More than 18,000 inmates over three years have been given permission to leave federal prisons unescorted to get medical treatment. The report says 6 inmates escaped rather than return to prison.
Prison and union officials did not immediately comment.
