A prison escape or prison break is the act of an inmate leaving prison through unofficial or illegal ways. Normally, when this occurs, an effort is made on the part of authorities to recapture them and return them to their original detainers. Escaping from prison is also a criminal offense in many places, and it is likely to result in time being added to the inmate's sentence, as well as the inmate being placed under increased security.

Legal Definitions

The terms jailbreak and prison break are not used in law. For example, In New York State Article 205 of the Penal Law refers to: ESCAPE AND OTHER OFFENSES RELATING TO CUSTODY. The code differentiates escape from a "Detention Facility" from the lesser escape from custody. Absconding (not voluntarily returning from being temporarily released), resisting arrest, hindering prosecution (assisting an escapee) and even contraband related offenses are also covered in the same section of law

Getting assistance

Outside assistance: Friends or relatives of an inmate arrange for items to be smuggled into the prison or arrange to have an escape vehicle standing by, ready to receive the prisoner when they reach the outside of the compound. Because prisoners' mail, gifts and communications are usually monitored it can be difficult to ensure this sort of assistance.

Inside assistance: Most prison escapes require assistance from people inside the prison; usually from fellow inmates, but it's possible for corrupted officers or other prison officials to help an inmate escape, typically through turning a blind eye to 'anomalies' or sabotage. It is more difficult for officials to monitor this form of assistance, since communication between inmates and their officers is routine in most prison facilities.