NCJ Number
118621
Journal
Corrections Today Volume: 51 Issue: 4 Dated: (July 1989) Pages: 16-18,20,22,24
Date Published
1989
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This article examines the negotiation strategies used during the 1987 prison sieges by Cuban inmates in the Federal Detention Center in Oakdale, La. and the U.S. Penitentiary in Atlanta.
Abstract
Sparked by the U.S. Department of Justice decision to deport approximately 2,500 Cubans who arrived in the United States during the 1980 Marial boatlift, these simultaneous sieges caused the FBI's largest crisis management mobilization. Following an outline of siege events, the article explains that rejection of the initial offer was caused by Cuban inmates' need to express their anger and frustration with officials. The paper emphasizes that negotiators had to avoid tricks and dishonesty and carefully consider the impact even their clothing and mannerisms might have on the prisoners. Also discussed is the presence of nonpolice negotiators, notably Cuban-born Catholic Bishop Agustin Roman. The important contributions made by mental health professionals to the negotiation process are reviewed, as are manipulative measures such as denying food and electricity. Finally, the surrender ritual is described.