An investigation identified significant security lapses at Western State Hospital in Lakewood, Wash., where two patients with a history of violence escaped in April, according to a report obtained by The Associated Press in response to a public records request.
The investigation revealed staff at Western State — the largest psychiatric hospital in Washington State — performed no routine security inspections. Additionally, 25,000 master keys were unaccounted for, thousands of tools that could be used to open windows had been misplaced and management was unwilling to recognize security lapses in the hospital.
According to the Associated Press, the 2016 report revealed security issues identified by a similar investigation six years prior.
"Just as in its 2010 report, the 2016 team also found that there is a lack of awareness of the foundational role security plays in the operation of a psychiatric hospital," said investigators.
Western State CEO Cheryl Strange said the hospital has made substantial safety improvements since the escapes.
"Western State Hospital remains laser-focused on ensuring safety, security, active treatment, quality care and meeting the requirements set by the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services," said Ms. Strange in a statement relayed by the Associated Press.
On April 6, Mark Alexander Adams, who has been convicted for domestic violence multiple times, and Anthony Garver, who was held on charges for allegedly torturing and killing a woman, escaped. Mr. Adams was apprehended the next day. Mr. Garver made it across the state and was found four days later.
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