During the study period, 27 individuals accounted for 31 escapes. The escapees were predominantly young, male, mentally ill, acquisitive offenders who had been transferred from police custody under the provisions of Part III of the 1983 Mental Health Act, which related to patients concerned in criminal proceedings or sentenced prisoners. All but one individual had presented significant management problems for the nursing staff during the early stage of their inpatient care on the unit. Most escapes occurred from inside the building, early in the admission, and when nursing staff levels were lower. The risk to the public was small. All were apprehended within 10 days and few committed offenses. Following their recapture, the majority were ultimately returned to prison. Tables and 16 references (Author abstract modified)