Evening star., 1936-09-13
CITY HEADS ADMIT
DANGER AT L0RT0N
Hazen and Allen Plan to
Remedy Situation at
First Opportunity.
BY JAMES z. CHINN.


Aroused by the dangerous situation
at District penal institutions due to
overcrowding Of prisoners and an un-
dermanned guard force, Commission
ers Melvin c. Hazen and George e.
Allen announced yesterday that steps
would be taken to remedy the condi-
tions at the first opportunity.
Commissioners Allen and Hazen
both pointed out they have been aware
for some time Of the seriousness Of the
situation, but have been unable to
order improvements because Of the
lack Of appropriations.
A recent series of articles in The
Star showed $50 guards, divided into
three 8-hour shifts, are respon-
sible for 2,700 inmates, 20 Of whom
are serving life terms. The stories
also disclosed the crowded conditions
in the dormitories resulting from an
unprecedented increase In the popula-
ton of the penal institutions. and
called attention to the vital needs Of q
tuberculosis hospital at the reforma-
tory, and additional quarters for
women prisoners.
Allen Issues Statement.
Commissioner Allen, who has direct
supervision over the penal institutions,
issued the following statement:
Like every other District institu-
tion and agency, the penal institu-
tions at Lorton and Occoquan have
long needed more money to carry on
their activities and to meet ever-in-
creasing demands.
THE situation at both the work
house and reformatory is serious be-
cause of the overcrowding Of inmates
and the shortage of guards. More
dormitories are needed at both insti-
tutions. Especially urgent is q tu-
berculosis hospital for the more than
so tubercular-infected inmates, 30
they may be isolated and treated.
THE guard problem likewise is
acute. Less than 200 guards are re-
sponsible for maintaining discipline
among 2,700 inmates. To me, it is
amazing that those in charge of the
penal institutions have been able to
maintain peace and order with such a
dangerously undermined staf1 OF
guards.
Money Is Needed.
"As the Commissioner supervising
the Districts welfare agencies, feel
that conditions at both the reforma-
tory ana work house should be cor
rected as soon as Is possible. But
money Is needed
THE Board Of Commissioners now
is struggling with the problem of max
ing the District budget in the coming
fiscal year flt the estimated revenue
available. The department heads
alone have asked for mere than S18,-
900, 900 in the coming fiscal year than
can be provided with the estimated in
come.
If the District can get the revenue
it needs, am confident conditions at
the penal institutions will be rene
died without delay"
Commissioner Hazen said he would
join Allen in bringing about an i'm
provement in the conditions at botn
the reformatory and workhouse.
Il have followed closely the ever
increasing population at the work.
house and reformatory and the seri-
Gus conditions that have resulted"
Hazen said, but the Commissioners
have been unable to make any move
to remedy them without funds.
Pays Tribute to Force.
Il have expected trouble for some
time, and the fact that it has not
developed Is due, I believe, to the
eficient administration of the penal
institutions. 1t is urgent that more
guards be employed and that addi-
tional accommodations be provided
! will certainly do all in my power to
see that the conditions are corrected
If we can get the funds to do it."
The 1888 budget estimates now be-
fore the Commissioners call for ap-
preparations totaling $7O9,347 for the
reformatory and workhouse. This is
an increase of nearly 100000 over
the appropriations for the current
fiscal year. The additional $500, 900,
however, will not provide all of the
urgently needed Improvements, but it
will enable penal authorities to initi-
ate q program that will reduce con.
gestion in the overcrowded dormi.
tories, and strengthen the danger
ously undermanned guard staff.