Too Much Swanson Drama

Another escape by juveniles at the Swanson Youth Center once again raises many questions from residents who live around the facility in south Monroe. What are the facility's leadership and corrections officials really doing to keep them safe? This and many other concerns are being raised once again, as residents who live in the facility's immediate vicinity learned of another escape by inmates. This time more than ten juveniles allegedly escaped. According to law enforcement authorities, the inmates somehow gained control of the control center at the facility and overpowered several guards. They allegedly "ran free" of the facility as two guards were attacked. Were there only two guards on duty? According to media reports, one of the guards needed medical attention. Quick action by area law enforcement officers was able to bring the situation under control, seemingly bringing an end to a tumultuous night. Hours later on, reports surfaced that six inmates managed to escape the facility, only to be captured soon after. The escape on Sunday, May 9, 2021 by resident inmates further proves that whatever security measures the facility uses are not working. In 2020, there were multiple escapes from Swanson, where at one time, ten inmates escaped. In that instance, the security wire on Jackson St. was breached and had to be repaired. Residents in the community had to be vigilant until the inmates were captured, but it brought little comfort because this wasn't the first or second escape from Swanson.

There is no question that more needs to be done at Swanson to correct their security issues, especially before the unthinkable happens. There are plans to construct a new facility on the existing grounds, and residents hope that an enhanced security system will be in place to eliminate escapes in the future. State representative and former District F police juror, Pat Moore, said that she and the community need short-term answers and that state officials need to do more for the safety of people who live in the neighborhood. Lonnie Hudson, who replaced Moore on the police jury said that his residents' safety is his number one concern because he doesn't want seniors and children not to feel safe in their homes. Moore said that the security issue "will be addressed," but wants to know what will be done in the short term, that will lead to long term results.

The placement of security/correctional centers has long been a subject of controversy in where they are located. There are places where they will never be near or shouldn't be, as by a school or church. Some areas of privilege will never see a correctional facility built anywhere near them. Economic and political power has ensured that such facilities will be built in areas where privilege is just a word, and that is all that it is. People in all areas deserve to live securely in their homes/neighborhoods and not being subjected to one escape after another. One would think that someone would be used to seeing patrol vehicles constantly in their neighborhoods, not to harass, but to ensure the residents that law enforcement is there to protect them. As Pat Moore said, "People want to have a sense of peace and not just feel safe, but be safe".

We can only hope this will be "the last escape" for people to be safe.