Escaped murderer has edge in manhunt due to police chief background: experts

Former Arkansas police chief Grant Hardin’s escape from prison on Sunday has raised concerns among law enforcement experts due to his background in law enforcement. Hardin, who was serving time for murder and rape, escaped from the North Central Unit, a medium-security prison in Calico Rock, according to the Arkansas Department of Corrections.

Experts believe that Hardin may have an advantage over other escapees because of his past experience as a police chief. Eric Brown, a U.S. Army Special Forces veteran and CEO of Imperio Consulting, explained that Hardin’s knowledge of law enforcement procedures, patrol routines, and search operations could give him an edge in evading capture.

Law enforcement officials are employing various tactics, including geo-fencing, license plate readers, drones, and thermal imaging, to track down Hardin. They are also monitoring heavily wooded areas in Stone County, where Hardin escaped, using drones and infrared camera technology.

Despite Hardin’s experience and potential connections to law enforcement officials, experts believe that his chances of staying on the run are slim. Angelo Brown, an assistant professor of criminology at Arkansas State University, noted that law enforcement agencies at both the state and federal levels are actively involved in the search for Hardin, making it difficult for him to evade capture.

Officials are confident in the route they believe Hardin took when he escaped and are focusing their search efforts on the surrounding area. However, they acknowledge that Hardin could potentially use a vehicle to travel elsewhere, posing a risk to the public.

Hardin’s escape comes on the heels of a massive jailbreak in New Orleans, where 10 prisoners escaped from a correctional facility. While eight of the escaped prisoners have been recaptured, two remain at large.

The FBI is offering a $20,000 reward for information leading to Hardin’s recapture and has urged the public to report any sightings or information to the agency. Hardin is described as a 6-foot White male weighing approximately 259 pounds.

As the manhunt for Hardin continues, law enforcement officials remain vigilant and determined to bring him to justice. The public is advised to exercise caution and report any suspicious activity to authorities.