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| Idaho Prison Aims to Fix Bad Locking System |
| By Idaho Statesman |
| Published: 11/18/2002 |
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Concerned about the safety of both officers and inmates in Idaho's maximum-security prison, a state panel said fixing a failed locking system is the top priority. Money to fix the problem was appropriated two years ago, but the state took back $2 million of the $3 million to offset budget shortfalls. Public Works Director Larry Osgood said that the $1 million remaining would be sufficient to immediately fix one control panel that has completely failed and do the planning required to fix the rest of the system. Because of its unreliability, officers have had to use keys on the cell blocks and cells, placing them in close contact with some of the state's most vicious inmates. Correction Department officials warned the Permanent Building Fund Advisory Council earlier this fall that failure to eliminate the locking problems increases the prospects for a riot or other disturbance at the prison. The lock system is the council's top financial priority this winter, as it was in 2000 when the $3 million was approved by both the Legislature and Gov. Dirk Kempthorne. Advisory Council Chairman Robert Yamashita told Correction officials they'd better be prepared to fight for the money in the Capitol, just as they did in 2000. |
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