Tasmania Police will investigate the security procedures of the Burnie Police Station following the escape of Brayden William Stanley.
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On Monday afternoon, Mr Stanley fled police custody after he was arrested at Smithton for failing to appear on matters related to the court in Launceston.
He was not handcuffed at the time.
He was brought to the Burnie Police Station and during processing managed to leave through the front door of the precinct, before allegedly stealing a vehicle from the TasRail yard adjacent to the Burnie Port.
He was seen about 5.30pm Monday in the Burnie suburb of Brooklyn and the vehicle was recovered about the same time, having been abandoned.
Burnie Inspector Adrian Shadbolt said the escape was an incredibly rare event, and police were searching Burnie, Somerset and the Smithton area for Mr Stanley.
"We will be conducting an extensive review of our security and obviously an internal review has to be expected in matters like this," he said.
"We will be looking at the police officers' actions... through use of CCTV footage and also our own security arrangements in the police station."
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He said it was not likely the officers will face disciplinary action over Mr Stanley's escape.
"It is general procedure that when they're in the station and presented for a custody sergeant that the handcuffs are removed then, in that location.
"Which is where he was when he then ran through the station."
Mr Stanley fled the Burnie Police Station through a fire escape door, which Inspector Shadbolt said could not be locked.
Police previously said Mr Stanley is not thought to be a threat to the community, though the public has been urged to not approach him if he is seen.
He said the charge Mr Stanley was originally facing was "relatively innocuous", but he will now be facing a further charge for escaping custody.
Inspector Shadbolt said Tasmania Police are relying on and welcoming information from the community to ensure Mr Stanley is brought back into custody.
"I would take the opportunity to remind people that aiding or assisting a person who has escaped police is actually liable to be charged themselves."
Anyone with information should contact Tasmania Police on 131, Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestoppers.com.au
Sandy Powell
Court and crime reporter covering the West and North-West of Tasmania for the Advocate.
Court and crime reporter covering the West and North-West of Tasmania for the Advocate.
