OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ) – When an inmate escapes Winnebago Correctional Center, Oshkosh Police says there is a plan in place to notify the community.
“We count on the media, whether its social media, television, radio. Social media, of course, is going to be the quickest because everyone has it.”
Officer Joe Nichols notes a press release was sent out within an hour of 28-year-old Dennis Tharp escaping the minimum-security facility Sunday evening.
Nichols says this was a much quicker response than when two inmates escaped in 2015.
“The public had the right to be outraged the last time. Two escapees left, and we didn’t notify anyone. By that time, they had already made it to the Green Bay area. That’s where they were found.”
Nichols says it took three days to get the word out.
“We took that to heart and said ‘okay, that’s not happening ever again.’ If information is there, you’ve gotta get information out right away to the public and let them know what is taking place.”
Nichols has advice for Oshkosh residents.
“Lock your doors at all times, even if you’re at home. Make sure that you’ve good bright lights that are on at night and leave them on during the night. Secure your vehicle.”
Nichols says that advice does not just apply to people who live nearby a correctional facility or only to times when an inmate has escaped.
Police are still looking for Tharp.
Anyone with information is asked to call Oshkosh Police at 920-236-5700.
