Keystone Cops - Alive and well in New Jersey

I couldn't help but think of inept police officers from tv shows like the Keystone Cops or the Andy Griffith Show when I read this article.

http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/law/12/17/jail.escape.ap/index.html

And, at first it does seem hilarious. How could professional prison guards fall for something like this. Everyone and their brother has seen "Shawshank Redemption". I think its actual company policy on the Turner family of networks that not two weeks in the year can go by without at least one showing. It would seem that after the popularity of such a movie that checking out a prisoner's cell thoroughly would be pretty standard, much like childhood summers spent in Rangoon and luge lessons.

Anyway, the fact of the matter is that through the ineptitude of a few, many are once again at risk. If these outlaws commit further criminal acts whilst on the lam (not on the lamb..... http://youtube.com/watch?v=jEwERdL-zwY) will their former jailors be considered accessories to the crimes? Gosh, I hope so.

This got me thinking about what an acceptable punishment might be for their lack of vigilance. I think we should bring back some public humiliation for moves this idiotic. Perhaps a few laps around the prison or some time spent in the stocks or pillory. I'm sure the local townsfolk would appreciate the opportunity to hurl both insults and rotten vegetables at those responsible.