The state women's prison at Shakopee is the only institution of its type in the entire nation that is not fenced off to prevent escapes.
That is one major point the state will make to lawmakers in the coming legislative session as it seeks, in the wake of yet another successful breakout, to secure the millions needed to install one.
John Schadl, chief spokesman for the Minnesota Department of Corrections, was questioned about the escape of Angel Lynn Benjamin, 25, and its wider implications.
Here's what he had to say:
Q: How did this happen?
A: At 6:54 p.m. [a week ago Monday], a number of offenders were doing a controlled movement back to a living unit when an officer saw her run off to the perimeter.
He immediately notified the watch command and they activated the emergency system, and he began to pursue. She was able to leave the grounds, cross 10th Street, and at that point we notified Shakopee police, who began a search.
She was found 23 minutes later, hiding under a hedge or bush outside a residence.