Indiana Deputy Murdered by Inmate Prompts Changes in Sheriff’s Transport Policy
In a tragic incident on July 10, 2023, Indiana Sheriff’s Deputy John Durm lost his life when an inmate attacked him during a daring escape attempt. The inmate, identified as Orlando Mitchell, is now facing homicide charges, with prosecutors seeking the death penalty. The shocking event has led to a significant shift in the way prisoners are transported, as the Marion County sheriff responds to the devastating loss.
The Marion County sheriff, Kerry Forestal, based in Indianapolis, unveiled alterations to the prisoner transport policy in direct response to the recent murder of a deputy during an escape attempt. One notable change introduced by Sheriff Forestal is the requirement for two deputies to be present during off-site medical transports. This new policy aims to enhance the safety of law enforcement personnel and prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
The incident occurred while Deputy John Durm was alone, transporting murder suspect Orlando Mitchell on the ill-fated day. Mitchell managed to use the chain of his handcuffs to strangle Deputy Durm as they were returning to the Criminal Justice Center in Indianapolis from a hospital visit, according to authorities. The 34-year-old inmate, facing murder charges himself, is now under scrutiny with prosecutors seeking the ultimate penalty – the death penalty.
Sheriff Forestal candidly remarked, “Staffing has probably got too complacent. Because we’re so short-staffed, people will make decisions that aren’t in the best interest.” The Marion County Sheriff’s Office is currently grappling with a shortage of 150 deputies, highlighting the challenges posed by insufficient staffing levels in ensuring the safety of both deputies and inmates.
To address the staffing issues, additional overtime is being employed to accommodate the increased manpower required for off-site medical transports. The sheriff’s office is also reviewing these off-site transports to determine if they can be handled on-site, minimizing potential risks.
In addition to the staffing changes, another measure implemented is the requirement for murder suspects to wear red clothing, serving as a visual reminder of their potential danger. These policy changes were enacted on the same day Deputy Durm lost his life, though they were only officially announced on the subsequent Wednesday.
Furthermore, as a result of an internal review in the aftermath of the incident, two deputies have been dismissed, and two others have been demoted. The incident took an even more dramatic turn as Mitchell managed to seize Deputy Durm’s handcuff key after the attack, using it to free himself. He then briefly commandeered a transport van, driving it a short distance before crashing into a wooden pole. However, other deputies promptly intervened, ensuring that Mitchell was swiftly brought back into custody.
The tragic loss of Deputy John Durm has spurred a series of necessary changes within the Marion County sheriff’s office. These adjustments aim to prevent future tragedies by prioritizing the safety and well-being of both law enforcement officers and the inmates they transport.