NCJ Number
146816
Date Published
Unknown
Length
10 pages
Annotation
In 1990, following citizen outrage over six escapes from the Carl Robinson Correctional Institution in Enfield, Connecticut, within an 8-week period, the Enfield Prison/Town Liaison Committee was formed.
Abstract
In July 1993, the State legislature passed an act requiring the Department of Corrections to form a public safety committee in every municipality that hosts a penal institution. The Enfield Committee began with the dual challenges of developing an open and positive relationship with the Department of Corrections and developing a rapid notification system to monitor escapes and riots in the Enfield facility. The Committee considered the use of sirens, flags, telephone trees or autodialers, television, radio, prison operating frequency transmissions, and beepers and pagers in the notification system. The criteria established to judge potential systems included: meaningful message, retention of message, range and reliability of signal, portability, security of system, accountability, and cost. Enfield eventually adopted a three-part notification system comprised of pagers, scanners, and FM radio. In case of an escape, citizens are encouraged to retrieve adults and children from remote areas, lock vehicles and doors, turn on all exterior lighting, and exercise caution when entering vacant homes or buildings. The Committee has also adopted an enhanced Neighborhood Watch philosophy.