Strict conditions set for Hinckley's trips from mental hospital

WASHINGTON -- When John W. Hinckley Jr. rides in his father's sedan out of the gates of St. Elizabeths Hospital, free for the first time in 21 years of medical supervision, he and his family must follow a detailed list of court rules designed to protect the presidential assailant as well as the public.

US District Judge Paul L. Friedman agreed yesterday to let Hinckley take short unsupervised trips around Washington, and the first outing could come early this month. Although psychiatric specialists agree that Hinckley is no longer dangerous and that his mental illness is in remission, the judge set numerous conditions covering the trips.

The rules, based upon recommendations made by the psychiatrists, place significant responsibilities on Hinckley's parents, John and Jo Ann, both 78, who are to be with him at all times. Hinckley and his parents are required to notify the judge and local law enforcement at any hint of trouble. Even if minor problems surface, Hinckley must be returned to the hospital, the judge ordered.

"Detailed logistical planning is necessary to keep risk low and to be certain in advance . . . that the release will occur in a very controlled environment," Friedman wrote in his 50-page opinion.

Hinckley, 48, has been confined at St. Elizabeths since 1982, when a jury found him not guilty by reason of insanity in the March 1981 shootings of President Reagan, press secretary James Brady, and two law enforcement officers. Federal prosecutors opposed letting him leave the Southeast Washington hospital without a medical escort, saying it was too risky, and Reagan's family echoed those concerns this week.

Hinckley's attorney, Barry Wm. Levine, said the judge's scrutiny and instructions should ease those worries. "The judge has weighed this matter with uncommon care," he said. "That should give the public much comfort."

The judge is requiring that the hospital send him a sealed, detailed itinerary of Hinckley's trips two weeks in advance -- down to which local restaurant or store Hinckley will visit and when he will arrive. The hospital must also send a copy to federal prosecutors. Hospital officials told the judge they will provide a copy of the plans to the Secret Service, as they have done whenever Hinckley left the grounds on supervised trips to parks, stores, and other places. The Secret Service continues to keep close track of Hinckley's activities.

The public will get no notice of Hinckley's excursions.

During the trips, Friedman is requiring that Hinckley's parents keep a cellphone with them, along with a list of local law enforcement numbers to call in case of trouble with their son, the media, or a person who might recognize Hinckley and approach the family.

Hinckley is prohibited from contacting the media while off campus and cannot talk with any reporters he encounters. Within two hours of returning after each outing, Hinckley and his parents each must fill out a detailed form and report any negative incidents that occurred.