Alcatraz Essay -- essays research papers

Alcatraz United States Penitentiary1934-1963As a exit of the Great Depression, a new breed of violent criminals swept the streets of America. In response to the cries of alarmed citizens, Congress enacted a number of statutes, which gave the federal political science jurisdiction over certain criminal offenses previously held by the states. With the breath of former US Attorney General, Homes Cummings, Congress agreed that a specific penal institution of maximum security and minimum privilege be established. In 1934, the legendary US Penitentiary of Alcatraz was born and became the home of Americas closely wanted for the next thirty years.Once authorized by Congress, the US Department of Justice acquired control of Alcatraz Island, previously a US ground forces compound. As the island was redeveloped into a maximum-security prison, seven of its twelve acres were enclosed in a prison compound. The remaining five were set aside for employee residences, apartments, and volunteer( a) space. Soon after the redesigning of the old Army fortress, the Alcatraz prison was ready for the luxuriant opening (or better said lockout). Equipped with intravenous feeding different cellblocks, A, B, C and D, the Rock began its operations on January 2, 1934. Although cellblock A was seldom used, B, C and D provided 378 cages to accommodate the most notorious felons that America could produce.The first of four wardens to take charge of the penitentiary was a retired, professional administrator named pile A. Johnston. ...