An inmate is still on the run after leaving an Augusta County work-release program Thursday. The people in charge of the jail took another look at their security system to keep the surrounding citizens safe.

Patti Wood has lived in Augusta County for 11 years and walks for exercise every day with her mace in hand.

“I wouldn't want to walk on that side of the park where the golf course is, and not have something to help me get away if I needed to, or help me get away if I had to,” said Wood.

She has seen inmates working at that park through one of Middle River Regional Jail's work programs.

Middle River Capt. Robert Moubray rethought the jail's work policies after two inmates escaped from that program in February and March.

“We certainly are not going to put anybody out there that's going to cause harm to anybody,” said Moubray. “We can screen them all we want to, and check them all we want to, but it still comes down to their decision-making process.

Wood hoped that people in jail learn a lesson doing time once they go missing.

“Do the crime, and they should pay the time,” said Wood. “They need to stay there. If the judge says you need to go to jail, you need to go to jail, you need to stay there.”

Jail employees said they only consider inmates with a non-violent crime for their work release programs.

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