Firing squad volunteers wanted for execution chamber – full details | US | News
A chair sits in the execution chamber of Utah State Penitentiary (Image: RELATED PRESS)
As eight death row inmates await their fate, Idaho is seeking volunteer police officers to carry out the state’s executions by firing squad.
Idaho on Wednesday became the only state in the United States to adopt firing squad, in which a group of armed officers shoot a convicted prisoner, as the default method of execution. The move comes nearly a year after authorities botched the lethal injection of convicted murderer Thomas Eugene Creech.
Republican Gov. Brad Little, who is running for his third term this November, has signed into law two firing squad-related bills. The new law’s entry into force was postponed until 2025 to give state officials enough time to rebuild the execution chamber.
Authorities have now unveiled a chilling plan detailing exactly how these death penalty procedures will be carried out; Prisons were instructed to recruit volunteer police officers instead of expert executioners. The plan also allows for a second gunshot if a prisoner survives the first volley.
Three primary volunteer officers will be tasked with delivering lethal shots, supported by two reserves standing by. A sixth volunteer will serve as the team leader, responsible for loading the rifles and supervising the execution.
Who will execute the prisoners by firing squad?
In accordance with state law, the names of all volunteers will be kept confidential and only the identities of the prison warden and assistant warden will be kept secret.
To qualify as volunteer officers, recruits must be certified Idaho law enforcement officers with Peace Officer Standards and Training certification. Additionally, any disciplinary finding regarding the use of excessive force or the use of a firearm will be considered grounds for disqualification.
Volunteer officers cannot be related by blood or marriage to the inmate, victim or family involved. Prospective recruits will also undergo marksmanship assessments during firearms proficiency tests, where they must consistently hit a heart-sized target without missing.
FILE – An Idaho corrections department vehicle patrols the Idaho State prison complex near Kuna, Idaho, on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024. With two more executions scheduled for 2022, lawmakers have expanded Idaho’s already extensive execution secrecy laws so much so that not even a judge can force them to release certain information. Now, this week’s botched execution of Thomas Eugene Creech is refocusing attention on how the most basic details of executions, along with capital punishment, are shrouded in secrecy in many states. (AP Photo/Kyle Green, File) (Image: AP)
Where is the execution chamber of the firing squad?
State executions will be carried out at the renovated Maximum Security Institution in south Boise, where taxpayers funded $1.2 million to upgrade the state’s execution chamber.
Construction costs are estimated to exceed $900,000, while architectural design and engineering services reportedly account for $314,000.
The Idaho State prison complex near Kuna, Idaho, is shown on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024. Idaho halted the execution of serial killer Thomas Eugene Creech on Wednesday after medical team members repeatedly failed to find a vein where they could establish an intravenous line to perform the lethal injection. (AP Photo/Kyle Green) (Image: AP)
What weapons will be used to execute prisoners by firing squad?
Idaho officials also spent another $24,000 to purchase five Daniel Defense DD5-P rifles that fire. 308 Winchester ammunition with scopes, suppressors, and bipods.
According to the manufacturer’s website, the rifle model is “designed for reliability in harsh conditions.” Made from components specifically designed to minimize recoil.
The prisoner scheduled to be executed will be given a mild sedative on the day of execution and possibly several hours before.
