Tuesday, August 17, 1999
Decade-old prison lauded
It's crowded, but violence is rare here
BY JANICE MORSE
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Nathaniel Davis, center, and other inmates show off their Rover Rehab participation.
(Michael Snyder photo)
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LEBANON — For the past decade, Warden Tony Brigano has watched over some of the state's tougher inmates at Warren Correctional Institution (WCI) — often with a smile.
“I think he's got what I call an inducing personality,which means he can get people to do just about anything because of his personality,” said Reginald Wilkinson, director of the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction.
Mr. Brigano and the prison marked 10 relatively trouble-free years on Monday, along with some staff and inmates who also have been at the prison since it opened on Aug. 15, 1989. Mr. Brigano has stayed at one prison longer than any other warden in the state, and the fact that at least four of his former employees have gone on to become wardens is a testimonial to his leader ship, Mr. Wilkinson said.
Statistics show few drugs get into the prison, and it rarely turns violent — particularly notable considering that it houses “close-security” inmates, one step below maximum, and is one of the state's most crowded institutions.
It has more than 1,380 prisoners — more than twice the number it was designed to hold, Mr. Brigano said.
“When it comes down to it, I have just two goals: to keep everybody in and keep everybody safe,” he said.
Mr. Brigano also likes to keep inmates busy so they stay out of trouble.
The prison has a number of acclaimed community service projects, including one with the Warren County Humane Association.
Nathaniel Davis, a Cincinnati native serving time for aggravated robbery, said he used to get into trouble for breaking prison rules. But eight months ago, he started participating in the humane association's “Rover Rehab” program. He helps feed, groom and train injured or neglected dogs so they'll be ready for adoption into good homes. “It chilled me out a whole lot,” he said.
Like other Ohio prisons, WCI also offers education, and work, health and substance abuse programs.
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