"FL Sheriff To Review Inmate Transfers After Deputy Killed"
I hope this doesn't sound ageist, but I do not think that it is good policy to have someone the age of 76 driving groups of inmates around the state of Florida. The offenders are likely in their late 30s early 40s, and I am sure that one pistol is not enough of a deterrent if they have their minds set on an escape (particularly if you are already serving time for a life sentence). I know that Florida is strapped for cash, but I think that multiple correctional officers are needed for this type of transfer. Handcuffs are also a good idea. File this in the No Duh book of correctional management (along with the many incidences of prison riots in which COs forgot to lock doors to other parts of the building). Another example that good management matters.
The Broward County, Fl., Sheriff's office will review its policy of transports as many as four or five inmates at a time, escorted by a lone armed guard, reports the Miami Herald. Yesterday, deputy Paul Rein, 76, transporting bank robbery suspect Michael Mazza alone, died after Mazza, 40, overpowered him and shot him with his own revolver.''Does it concern me that a guy with a life sentence did this? Yes,'' said Sheriff Al Lamberti. "You learn from every incident. If we have to fix any policy we will.'' The Florida Department of Corrections requires two armed guards anytime an inmate is transported. About 300 to 400 inmates are transported in Broward each day, often to the courthouse and back. Rein was killed while taking Mazza to court for the second day of his trial on charges of holding up a bank. The sheriff admitted he did not know whether Mazza was handcuffed in the van. No handcuffs were found when Mazza was arrested hours later at a pawnshop.
(From the Miami Herald, via Ted Gest.)
5 comments:
I think they should hire CJ profs to do the transfers - I could use the extra cash! I could teach them about Agnew!
I had the same initial reaction when I heard the deputy's age. Even if in good health, a deputy in his 70s is rarely a match for the average inmate. Even if cuffs were used, sending a single deputy out with this guy seems crazy. Any guess on how long before the deputy's family sues? Has the local PBA started using this as an example of the need to hire more staff?
JP, if you need extra money I'll pay you to rake my lawn. My leaves and pine needles need a good talkin' to about control theory. I pay $6/hr and all the tap water you can drink!
JP only drinks very cold water, and I need a lawn mower. Do you replace windows?
Six bucks an hour? Wow - that's more than I make right now as a state employee! Nice. And velma is correct: only ice cold H20 for me.
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