Security Upgrades Unveiled At Santa Ana Jail

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SANTA ANA (CBSLA.com) — Authorities Friday announced a series of upgrades made at the Central Men's Jail in Santa Ana in reaction to the escape of three inmates at the beginning of the year.

Orange County Sheriff Sandra Hutchens said the the Jan. 22 escape "changed our department in many ways" following the escape of Hossein Nayeri, Jonathan Tieu and Bac Duong, who were all back behind bars eight days later.

Officials say the jail, built in 1968, has been fortified with steel bars placed in front of the vents and gates in a plumbing tunnel the inmates used a tool to cut through. The bars now rotate so inmates can't get "traction" while sawing.

"We don't yet know exactly what kind of tool was used to cut through the gate," Hutchens said. "But I'm comfortable that the tool used by the
escapees is no longer in the jail."

Despite multiple searches, authorities were unable to recover the tool, Hutchens said.

Procedures used to count inmates were reinforced with deputies to ensure such counts were being conducted properly. New policies were also adopted regarding how and when tools could be used by contractors in the jails.

Improved lighting and high-definition video cameras were installed, as well as motion-sensor cameras in the plumbing tunnels that can sound an alarm when movement is detected.

A K9 dog that can sniff out drugs and cell phones was also brought in to the facility.

The upgrades cost the sheriff about $570,000, Hutchens said.