Norris blamed "complacency" and guard dereliction for the lapses. Republican lawmakers placed the blame on the state's seven-member board that oversees the prison system, saying it never formally addressed the problems in its public meetings.

Norris appeared on Tuesday before a legislative panel that oversees the state prison system, which includes 15,000 inmates and 20 facilities spread across the state. Sen. Bobby Glover, who called the meeting to discuss the state's rising prison population, warned Norris that the panel would start a thorough inquiry of the system.

Several legislators questioned why the board hasn't discussed the problems. One legislator noted board minutes showed no signs of discussing the problems.

Rep. Davy Carter, R-Cabot, said it "just looks like nobody's watching the hen house" after the recent problems. State Sen. Kim Hendren, R-Gravette, questioned whether the seven board members shouldn't be fired from their positions.

Norris says he talked with board members informally one-on-one but apparently never in a formal meeting open to the public.

State Sen. Steve Faris, D-Malvern, has suggested giving authority to a legislative committee with subpoena power to investigate the recent problems.