An escape is defined as what?

• A. A medical emergency
• B. When an inmate has illegally removed him- or herself from custody
• C. A standard transfer
• D. A routine facility inspection

Answer: (B)

The main idea is that an escape is an unlawful departure from custody. In corrections, this means an inmate leaves a controlled setting without proper authorization or a lawful release. This distinction matters because it triggers immediate security responses, headcounts, searches, and notifications to supervisors and law enforcement to prevent further risk.

That’s why the option describing an inmate who illegally removes himself from custody is the best choice. It shows the unauthorized change in custody status, which is the defining feature of an escape. The other options describe situations that involve health emergencies, routine movements, or planned checks that do not involve breaking custody rules.