CHARLESTON -- Mississippi County residents wondering if anything was wrong at the Southeast Correctional Center today need not worry -- it was only a drill.
According to facility officials, an emergency drill was conducted from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. today at the Center.
One scenario involved a tornado that ripped out a section of the facility's exterior fence. After a name and number count of all offenders was conducted, Southeast also simulated two offenders escaping from the facility. The correctional facility initiated its emergency plans, which result in correction officers manning escape posts in the community.
Throughout the day officials reminded members of the community through the mutual aid band that the incident was just a drill. Southeast staff members were also available at 2 p.m. to answer questions and explain the drill's purpose.