Has anyone gotten 'hard' info about how the prison population will be maintained/controlled? I have written to our y2k state administrator for the prisons and jails requesting info about this concern. Three weeks later and I've not even received an acknowledgement, let alone some kind of answer.

I'm sure we're not the only place to have a state prison, don't most states have some kind of prison?

If food, utlities etc. are disrupted what will be the problems keeping prisoners accustomed to t.v., sports, libraries, etc., controlled? Are there embedded chips in the door locks, manual overrides?

Please, no possible horror stories, I can create those all by myself. I really would be very appreciative hearing about contingency plans that might be in place in your area.

-- mimi shawe (mi2shawe@mail.com), March 21, 1999

Answers

I attended a recent Y2K community meeting in Anamosa, Iowa. Unfortunately, the scheduled representative from the state prison located there was unable to attend. I do not know why - no reason was given.

However, one of the other panelists said he had spoken with someone at the prison and was assured that 'the doors would default to closed.'

A good laugh was had by all and then they moved on to next topic of humor.

Here's what I would have liked to have heard a prison representative say:

"The state prison in Anamosa is required at all times to maintain the capability to 'go it alone' for a 30 day period. This includes backup electrical power, food, water, heating facilities and other such items. Specific to Y2K, we are extending this capability to a minimum of six months. We are also making provisions for the safe and adequet housing and transportation of prison staff and their families should that be required. Further, the Anamosa state prison will be under strict lockdown from December 1999 through February 2000 to facilitate the maintenance of the prison population during the critical rollover period. The prison staff has been working closely with state and federal officials to identify potential risks and develop contingency plans where necessary."

Though this meeting was sponsored by two local banks, the failure of the prison rep to show up combined with the treatment of the subject as a joke by the other panelists did not exactly inspire confidence.

-- Arnie Rimmer (Arnie_Rimmer@usa.net), March 21, 1999.

That has been one of my concerns, too. I am wondering what will be done with prisoners if the grid goes down for a LONG time. Prisons can be expected to have a back up generator, but without fuel, that won't last long, neither will stores of food for an entire prison population. If indeed we suffer a #10, or even close, my fear is that the prison doors will be opened because of the inability to feed the inmates.

-- linda (smitmom@hotmail.com), March 21, 1999.

My guess,,,if it's near a 10 the non-violent prisoners will be released and the violent will " be taken care of ". Why turn guys like Manson ( charlie lives just down the road from me at Pelican Bay ) lose just to have to deal with him again? I think the death penalty will be greatly expanded and appeals cut to one. ( some thig like " no,,please ",,,bang! )

-- CT (ct@no.yr), March 21, 1999.

Dear CT: an insider at a CA prision whom I know has "heard" of certain emergency execution orders that are quite like your scenario. However, what WOULD happen if the backup power & supplies run out? Would the security personnel even show up for work after the 1st 2 or 3 weeks of lock down? What would you do? Stay home, right? I live within 20 to 50 miles in any direction of a correctional facility. We have our own contingency plan in case the doors don't lock shut.

Let's all pray for this NOT to happen.

-- JMorris (tobyjean@thegrid.net), March 22, 1999.