I overheard a conversation in the employee lunchroom the other day between the Assistant Deputy Warden for Programs (ADW) and a School Officer about Bingo. Before I go into the details, let me explain how crowd control works at our facility and throughout the Michigan Department of Corrections. First of all, each inmate receives a printout of their itinerary for the day. Everything from a kitchen detail to weight pit to church to school. Security has always been a concern, and now that a computer can track each inmate’s whereabouts, every breathing body should be easily accounted for. All inmates must show their photo id and itinerary to gain access to an area. None of this, “I have so-and-so’s permission to be here.”Now back to the conversation. The ADW for Programs wanted to know why the School Officer did not make allowances for prisoners enrolled in academic classes to play Bingo in the school. The School Officer informed him that it was not on their itinerary. “But they’re not in class this week,” the ADW for Programs pointed out. “Then someone should’ve changed their itinerary ahead of time,” the School Officer countered.
Both employees had valid arguments as to why or why not certain inmates could or could not play Bingo; however, security always prevails. The bottom line: If some event on an inmate’s itinerary is canceled that doesn’t mean the inmate can change his plans for the day—a done deal is a done deal. The School Officer was doing his J-O-B. He even caught a few inmates out of place and shook them down. I’m not sure if part of the Bingo prizes were peppermint candies, Hershey Kisses, and bite-sized candy bars, but I will say this, “The extra boost in sugar helped me get through the day.”
Incidentally, the last time I played Bingo was with my mother in a smoke-filled church hall. I remember a rather large woman asking if the chair next to me was occupied. I nodded no, and she proceeded to push my two bingo cards to the edge of the table so she could lay out her forty-some cards. By the way: Isn’t Bingo gambling?
12 comments:
Hey Jim,
Nicely wrought vignette. Yes, I'm guessing b-i-n-g-o is a tame form of gambling. I remember experiencing a few of these with my grandmother and Aunt Sue with the same kind of smokey atmosphere. There's something about Bingo and Lawrence Welk that goes well together. Good job, officer.
Bing Crosby's last word after suffering a heart attack on a golf course in Spain: bingo!
Great story Jim! I'm afraid that I have no luck with any games, even bingo!
bingo's too complicated for me. i like the simple games, like checkers.
I'd be afraid to play Bingo in prison. I know how the old men & women get at our Fire Station on Bingo nights. They are ready to beat each other with their walkers over someone getting Bingo twice in one night. And don't even think about sitting in someone else's seat. We've had to break up more than a couple shouting matches.
I would have to side with the officer. If a stabbing took place you know full well what that particular ADW would do. Why were they in the gym? The officer would be held responsible. Great post and nice pic. What's behind them bingo cards? MW
I agree with Jeannie. Games of Bingo in our house get pretty vicious.
I am sure that's what the inmates want... a good ole' fashion game of B-I-N-G-O ! In a world with so many options... is that the best they could do. No wonder so many prisoners go back... I would miss my bingo too! ~M
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
I have been to a BINGO game in Detroit, watching the women file in, crushing together at those long tables, trying to squeeze their cards down, placing their markers at the ready. Sweat on their faces, makeup smearing, hair starting to lose its crispness. I love the moment when the murmurs start running through the group, the BINGO is coming, and with each number the tension ratchets up just a wee bit more.
Oh yes...BINGO in Detroit. Don't mess with these women
Jim, How about a friendly little game of Squence?? Got it going tonight. Checkers anyone? BINGO doesn't interest me especially with all the B ladies. --Bro, Ron
Looks like you got BINGO cards and are ready to play BBBBBBBIIIIIIIIIINNNNNNGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!
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