I thought this might interest many of you...

I am just one of many thousands of prison workers throughout the United States. Our warden was sent out of state to a seminar/briefing with other prisons wardens to discuss Y2K related problems and successes.

It seems that if TSHTF that there are already guidelines in place to release many, or should I say most of the non-violent prisoners back into society on a "conditional" release program. This program would only take affect should the door locks/security systems have Y2K related bugs that required extended maintenance. Resources would have to be pulled, and only the most violent prisoners already housed would remain locked up.

Non-violent prisoners include those incarcerated for all types of thefts, drug related offenses, child molestation etc. Only those that are the violent murder types will stay. Interesting...no?

-- Key Man (FEDprisons@lockup.gov), September 26, 1999

Answers

Key Man:

Since it would appear that you work in the Federal prison system, and such things as theft and child molestation as well as murder is seldom a federal crime it would appear that it would be mostly drug offenders that would be released. Do you know if the State Prison System is also considering such a move? Bill in South Carolina

-- Bill Solorzano (notaclue@webtv.net), September 26, 1999.

Key Man,

This story has an unfortunate ring of truth to it. A few weeks ago someone posted an article on this thread from the Washington Post about a reporter's experience in fleeing Hurricane Floyd. Apparently, he stopped to pick up a stranded couple who later told him they were released from prison with $100 cash because the authorities were concerned how they could cope with the hurricane and prisoners at the same time. The article didn't mention why they were in prisonn in the first place. Bummer.

-- mike (maples@voy.net), September 26, 1999.

Sounds completely (il)logical to me, since most of the guards are not even deputized. In fact there seems to be a strong movement to privatize all prisons and jails in this country. Should be even greater incentive for potential perpetrators to abstain. Can you say Stalag.

If you were given the CHOICE to stay and babysit a bunch of social misfits, or be at home with family, during the onslaught of Y2K, which would you chose? This would seem to be a no brainer for all but those guards with a sadistic motive to stay. More insensitive incentative. But....

-- Michael (mikeymac@uswest.net), September 26, 1999.

This has been a very big concern of mine. I live very close to the prison capitol of Texas (Huntsville) and am within 2 miles of one prison and 5 miles of another. There are 6 more within a 15 mile radius. I was employed there for about 8 years and still have many friends who work for the prison system. The rumors I hear are the same as what Key Man states. All short timers and non-violent inmates will be released if serious troubles occur. My immediate concern is the method of release. I haven't heard anything on this and I wonder if they might just let them out the front gates to roam the countryside. I don't need thousands of inmates wondering the woods around my house. I know how a lot of these guys operate. They will form groups (gangs) immediately. If they have no money, food, etc. it will be a very bad scene. I often wonder if there will be locals waiting outside the fences for them with the intentions of stopping them permanently. Thankfully I won't be here if things get that bad.

-- NokternL (nokternl@anywhereusa.com), September 27, 1999.

Prisoners in the Vestfold region of Norway
will be released in December because the
power companies cannot guarantee continued
service. High security prisoners will be moved
to secure areas.

This is from a June 1999 article from the Norway Post.

-- spider (spider0@usa.net), September 27, 1999.

Well, let me add my $0.02. My source, an alleged former CIA asset, claims the standing order in Fed institutions, is, in the event of a severe national emergency, akin to nuclear attack, the cellblocks will be locked down, all windows will be sealed and the HVAC will be shut down. Then cyanide gas grenades will be lobbed into each area, effectively dealing with all "dangerous" inmates (def dangerous, please). Last one out please turn off the lights.....

-- Hillbilly (Hillbilly@possum.creek), September 27, 1999.

I think they will have to release a lot of Inmates before Jan 1 2000.I just hope it is done soon enough so they will have time to find employment,a place to live,and so on. I shudder to think of a few hundred thousand inmates released on Xmas Eve.They will get cold and hungry and desperate Real Fast

-- Dan Newsome (BOONSTAR1@webnet.tv), September 27, 1999.