News Summary
Rodney Perry, a convicted murderer serving life in prison, faced disciplinary review after allegedly attempting to escape while attending a college welding program. The incident raised questions about security measures in educational programs for inmates. After fleeing the facility, Perry was found with a cell phone and was recaptured shortly thereafter. This situation highlights broader concerns regarding inmate rehabilitation and the associated safety protocols.
Warwick, Rhode Island – Convicted killer Rodney Perry, 55, who is currently serving a life sentence for murder, is under disciplinary review following an alleged attempt to escape during a college training program at New England Tech. The incident has raised significant concerns about safety and security protocols involving inmates participating in educational programs.
The incident occurred while Perry was attending a welding program at the college, intended as part of a rehabilitative effort for inmates. While participating in the program, Perry reportedly left to use the bathroom but did not return after 15 minutes. A corrections officer initiated a search and found Perry holding a cell phone, which is strictly prohibited for inmates. The officer also reported that Perry allegedly pushed him and attempted to flee.
After a brief chase, Perry was recaptured and returned to the minimum-security prison, where he is currently held. Prison officials suspect that Perry was attempting to escape to avoid repercussions for possessing contraband. Following the incident, he was transferred to a medium-security facility.
The correctional officers’ union has expressed concerns regarding the adequacy of security measures, particularly the challenges of having a single officer supervise a group of inmates in such programs. The union president noted that inmates with a criminal history like Perry’s typically require special approval to participate in off-site educational programs.
The Department of Corrections has acknowledged the efforts of correctional officers in managing the situation and has reiterated that the welding program is part of its initiative to rehabilitate inmates. In light of the incident, New England Tech officials have confirmed that safety protocols are in place to ensure separation between students and inmates. They are reviewing their security measures but have reported no major concerns about the program’s overall safety moving forward.
Rodney Perry was convicted in 1995 for a shooting incident in Providence, Rhode Island, where the victim underwent surgery but died two months later. He is scheduled for parole in April 2026. However, the Rhode Island Parole Board has indicated that any grant of parole will depend on inmates maintaining a discipline-free status while incarcerated. Consequently, any disciplinary actions taken against Perry could affect his eligibility for parole.
This incident highlights ongoing debates around programs that allow inmates to engage in educational and rehabilitative opportunities while ensuring the safety of both inmates and the public. As the reviewed safety measures are implemented, prison and college officials will likely continue to assess the effectiveness of these programs in providing valuable skills while maintaining security standards.
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Additional Resources
- Turn to 10: Convicted Killer Incident
- Providence Journal: Parole Hearing
- WPRI: Inmate Walks Off Work Detail
- Google Search: inmate rehabilitation
- Boston Globe: Inmate Remains at Large
- Wikipedia: Prison rehabilitation
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