Alleged Tasmania prison escapee caught

"The man who reportedly escaped from prison custody ... has been arrested a short time ago," Tasmania Police said in a statement on Tuesday morning.

"Police would like to thank the Tasmanian community for their assistance and cooperation during the search effort."

Howlett was charged with escape and resisting a police officer and was scheduled to appear in Hobart Magistrates Court on Tuesday afternoon.

The search involved "significant police resources" including a helicopter.