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Multiple things obviously failed, including a contractor leaving a door open while they did work in our jail. It was a perfect storm of circumstances that led to this horrible incident.

Cara Smith, executive director of the Cook County Jail in Illinois where a man visiting his son recently got locked in a maximum security cell for 32 hours. He was finally released after setting off the sprinkler system.

Cara Smith, executive director of the Cook County Jail in Illinois where a man visiting his son recently got locked in a maximum security cell for 32 hours. He was finally released after setting off the sprinkler system.

Daniel Luzer is GOVERNING's news editor.