21.   Cole said that the decision not to actually chain inmates together, the common definition of a chain gang, is something that corrections officials decided on their own.

22.   Cohen was also present, with a corrections official, Robert Manco.

23.   Correction officials, however, say the transfer was a necessary response to dangerous overcrowding.

24.   Corrections officials acknowledged that the Aryan Brotherhood is the most powerful group in the prison system.

25.   Corrections officials have instituted several safeguards to prevent escapes.

26.   Corrections officials readily admit that the machines, also being tested in a few other cities nationwide, can not replace occasional personal contact.

27.   Corrections officials across the country say controlling prisons is becoming more difficult because of increasing inmate populations, harder-core prisoners and tighter budgets.

28.   Corrections officials are at odds with lawmakers over the issue.

29.   Corrections officials would not permit a reporter to review the file directly, but the police have said he was arrested six or seven times.

30.   Correction officials said Thursday they were unable to comment on the suit because they had not yet seen it.