The St. Louis City Justice Center is still in the process of replacing locks throughout the facility, an admission that came during a radio interview Tuesday, and one that a source says has real consequences for employee safety.
Nate Hayward, who became Commissioner of Corrections in September, told KMOX's Chris and Amy Show that the lock replacement is an active maintenance issue. "Right now, that's one of my maintenance issues," Hayward said. "I'm updating all the locks and everything also, since I've been here — we are still working on that right now."
When KMOX asked whether some locks are not functioning and whether inmates have to be moved as a result, Hayward said that isn't necessary. "We're just updating the locks, making sure everything is secure," he said. "My thing is I want everyone to be safe in here. Not only the staff. I want the residents to be safe also."
When Hayward started in September, he toured the facility and wrote a letter outlining what needed to be addressed. That list included power washing the units, painting the exterior walls, and working through interior improvements — along with the locks. Some of that work is visible: the outside of the building has a fresh coat of paint. The lock replacements are apparently ongoing, years into the effort.
Hayward also noted that staffing shortages are a challenge facing jails across the country. He said he receives strong support from the administration.
But the lock issues carry real consequences for employee safety. According to a source familiar with the jail, a lock malfunction was connected to a November assault on a jail employee by a detainee.
On November 5, Damorieon Simms escaped his cell after his door inadvertently opened, according to a probable cause statement. Simms assaulted an employee who was serving meals, stole their radio, and prevented the victim from escaping. Surveillance footage corroborated the incident. Simms now faces robbery and kidnapping charges.
