There were 306 escapes and 305 returns, an increase of 22 escapes and 26 returns from the previous year. The escape rate in 1986 was 3.3 per 100, lower than 9 of the preceding 10 years. Almost all escapes occurred from lower security facilities and were walk-aways from those facilities or failures to return from release programs such as furloughs or work release. There were only six escapes from secure facilities. Fifty-three percent of those returned were returned within 1 week of escape. Eighty-four percent of all 1986 escapees were returned to the Massachusetts Department of Correction or known to be in the custody of another correctional agency at the end of the year. At year's end, there were 92 persons at large, including 48 who escaped in 1986. 11 tables.