WARREN, Maine --

There's an unexpected glitch at Maine's new $76 million prison: Cell doors are popping open by themselves.

Since the Maine State Prison opened in February, four cell doors in the prison's medium-security pod have swung opened unexpectedly, officials said.

The problem has occurred mostly at night, while inmates are asleep, and has not affected the sliding cell doors installed in maximum-security areas. Corrections officials said no prisoners have tried to escape or overpower guards because of the open doors, and a prisoner would have to pass through several other locked doors to reach freedom.

But the problem does have prison guards concerned for their safety.

"I'd be worried that it could create a hostage situation," said Ed Willey, coordinator for the union representing prison guards. "Prisoners could also go after another prisoner. It's absolutely a security risk."

Problems with the doors began soon after the state moved into the new Warren facility on Feb. 13.

The steel cell doors are equipped with a pneumatic air lock operated by compressed air. State officials suspect moisture may have accumulated in the system, causing the doors to unlock.

Ralph Nichols, director of correctional inspections for the state, said prison security contractors are currently working on the problem.

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-- Anonymous, April 12, 2002

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