Prison officers are told to use their own discretion rather than protocol when transporting prisoners to court.

The Department of Corrections has set procedures in place, but advises its officers to “do whatever they feel best in the circumstances”.

A prison source spoke to us about escorting prisoners to court in light of Alvone Maybury’s escape. His revelations came as Commissioner of Corrections Edward Lamb admitted it was “unfortunate” that Maybury had been able to flee prison officers.

Lt. Col. Lamb said: “It is unfortunate that this has happened and we recognize that we have an obligation to ensure the safety and security of inmates.”

Maybury, 24, made a brazen dash for freedom by giving two prison guards the slip when he was being led out of Magistrates’ Court while his hands were handcuffed in front.

Our prison source, who asked not to be named, said: “There are so many procedures in place, but you do what you feel is right at the time. You have to act according to how dangerous you think the prisoner is.”

Two types of handcuffs are used. Police officers tend to use ‘quick cuffs’ which do not have a chain between them, while prison officers use ‘chain cuffs’ which are looser fitting, with several links of a chain.

Prison officers are trained to use both types of handcuffs but it is standard procedure for them to use chain cuffs. Officers are advised to handcuff prisoners behind their backs and should only handcuff prisoners in front if they have a shoulder injury.

However, Lt. Col. Lamb told the Sun that the “type of handcuffs used is irrelevant as either style is effective”.

Prison officers take initial fitness tests, but our source said there was no further fitness testing during their careers.

He said guards were expected to remain fit and were offered yearly incentives to do so, but added: “Government doesn’t turn around and say ‘if you’re not fit, you can’t do the job any more’. Fitness is advised but not compulsory.”

When we questioned why the prison officer only gave chase as far as the junction of Parliament Street and Church Street, our source said: “Would you be willing to risk life and limb to run through traffic? If you get killed in the line of duty, who is going to be there for your family?”

The source said there was “awesome support” among the prison service for the two officers from whom Maybury fled and they should not be blamed: “Everyone is on their side. It could have been any two officers and everyone knows that. All the guys are sticking together.

“You can’t blame certain prison officers. People don’t know the circumstances, being a prison officer is not an easy job. There’s a lot of pressure.”

Brave or ignorant

The source said inmates talked about trying to escape “all the time when in prison” but only “the brave or ignorant dare to try it… It’s not that unusual for prisoners to try to run off, you just have to stop it happening.

“You have to be ready for any sudden movement, anything at all. You have to be ready to run real fast at all times.”

The court run was described as “very dangerous for officers and inmates” as it is not uncommon for friends or relatives to try to pass things like photos, phone numbers or even drugs to the prisoners.

Our source said: “The way it’s done in Bermuda isn’t at all ideal. It’s very difficult to transfer inmates from the van to the court.

“They come into contact with the public in a public place and there are people walking across you. A lot of things can happen. Each case brings about different risks. Prison officers have to cope with an out-dated 18th century system, while dealing with 21st century prisoners.”

Prison officers are now looking forward to the opening of the new court building as prison vans will be able to drive up to an underground court entrance.

Our source said: “Everyone’s glad government has taken a good look at things with the new court building. We just wish they’d hurry up with it.”