NIJ Initiates Prison Riot

• NCJ Number: 211746
• Date Published: 1998
• Length: 2 pages
• Agencies: NIJ-Sponsored
• Publication Type: Program Description (Model)

Annotation

This article describes the second mock prison riot held at the former West Virginia Penitentiary and organized by the National Institute of Justice’s (NIJ’s) Office of Law Enforcement Technology Commercialization (OLETC).

Abstract

Held in April 1998, the mock prison riot featured several pre-planned training scenarios involving inmate uprisings and hostage negotiations. Medical, fire, and emergency personnel took part in the mock riot to treat and evacuate the staged injuries, creating a very real training environment. Training scenarios offered at the mock prison riot included a total-darkness capture and a riverboat escape attempt. The event also featured demonstrations of emerging law enforcement and corrections technologies. Some of the emerging technologies showcased at the mock riot were used in the simulations while others were demonstrated and displayed in an exhibition area. Telemedicine technology was a special focus of the demonstrations. In addition to those participating, more than 300 observers from various industries observed the event. Contact information is provided.