Overview

• Hardin spent six months using lax kitchen procedures to gather materials, including laundry and black Sharpies, to fashion a fake law enforcement uniform and badge.
• The review cites misclassification—Hardin’s custody status hadn’t been updated since October 2019—and unmonitored dock procedures as critical security lapses.
• Two staff members were dismissed for unlocking gates and lapses on kitchen docks, while others faced suspensions or demotions.
• Reforms implemented include removing electric gate locks, plans for additional cameras and expanded shakedown searches.
• Hardin faces escape charges with a November trial date as state police, the FBI and legislative panels continue investigations.