The jury is still out on how much this latest episode of poor planning has cost the taxpayers. The Shasta County Jail ("Jail") has been plagued over the years with problems associated with the disposable razors that are passed out to inmates for the purpose of shaving, but which too often were used for other purposes. Most notably: self inflected wounds, attempted suicides, homemade weapons, and that sort of illicit usage. 

With its usual tenacity against proper pre-planning, and in not heeding advice from others experienced in the matter, Jail officials first decided to install in each housing unit's day room, or common area, two each electric shavers for all the inmates to share. An expensive security box was installed in each housing unit, was wired with electrical outlets, and the two shavers were attached thereto with a steel cable. 

Someone filed complaints to the Health Department about the obvious health hazards of shared razors, such as, AIDS and hepatitis. The Health Department, which had originally approved the Jail's plan, than reversed their position now prohibiting shared razors. The Jail did not want to spend the money to do as other facilities, and make only the motor a shared item, with each inmate being issued a personal shaver head. There were also other previously unconsidered problems, including insufficient access by the inmates for timely personal grooming prior to court appearances, where they would have a basic right to appear properly groomed. This expensive fiasco was abandoned. 

Notwithstanding the results of the initial poor planning, ShaverGate not only continues, but gets worse. On May 10, 2003, the Jail issued each inmate a personal Remington, MSC-100, battery operated electric shaver. These are cheaply constructed, made in China, units designed for occasional or light duty usage as a travel razor. They are not designed for the rigors of jail or institutional use, and were a poor choice for an environment which always requires heavy duty designed equipment. 

Not surprisingly, these units began failing immediately. The Jail photocopied and passed out instructions for the shavers, which included, "Use only Alkaline Batteries," which was highlighted in bold print. Nevertheless, the Jail obviously never read their own instructions as they supplied only the cheapest made in China batteries that were available. The first shavers failed very fast as the cheap batteries allowed only one or two shaves before going dead, and those at a low motor speed which caused the inmates to unintentionally place too much stress on the shaver's head. This was the failure point of the units. The head detached itself from the very cheap plastic mounting thus rendering the shaver useless. 

About three weeks later, the Jail made Alkaline Batteries available for purchase through the inmate commissary. However, the damage to the shavers' heads was mostly done by then. Shavers that were used with only Alkaline Batteries appear to last longer, but eventually they all fail at the very same point. For the first three weeks, or so, of this problem the Jail officers were simply exchanging the failed shaver for another unit. Then all of a sudden this policy changed during the first week of June, when inmates were informed they must now pay $9.00 for a replacement. 

Common sense tells on that for every problem there is a solution, however, every solution comes with a new set of problems. It is the second part of this reality of life that Jail planners regularly fail to consider beforehand. For example, the primary motivation behind this endeavor was to eliminate razor blades and their associated problems. However, the cheap Remington Shavers utilize a metal screen head that when it becomes detached, which they all eventually do, can be flattened out to an approximately two inch square piece of steel. The Jail is all smoothed cement construction, thus providing an excellent surface upon which to sharpen and hone this piece of steel, and thus make a potentially far more dangerous weapon than the disposable razor it replaced. Other correctional facilities already know this and utilize rotary head shavers which do not present this problem. 

A totally unforseen, by the Jail planners, collateral effect appeared when the womens' housing units' inmates discovered that these battery operated vibrating motor type shavers were quite useful for self gratification, and began referring to them as "Toys." These vibrating motors can also be held against the metal sinks and will send a hammer drill type noise throughout the plumbing system causing much noise and irritation. 

After the Jail began demanding inmates pay $9.00 for these shavers, there was rumored general discontent in some housing units, thus providing potential for riots. More poor planning. It was reported that one housing unit gathered up all their shavers, and placed them outside the door, telling the Jail just what they thought of the shavers in no uncertain terms. The Jail reportedly has boxes of defunct shavers scattered throughout the facility after only the first month. Literally hundreds of them, all with the same detached head problem, yet, in their arrogance Jail officials attempted to force the inmates to pay for this latest Jail gaffe caused by poor planning. In late June it became uncertain whether or not the inmates were being charged for replacement shavers. 

One long time Jail officer was asked, "Didn't anyone test a few of these units before they bought them?" He answered, "They claimed they did!" As he sarcastically rolled his eyes back muttering, "Yea! Right!" 

What's next? Rumors are rampant, but generally report that Jail "Brass" is looking for a better electric shaver to purchase. Much like when purchasing tools, if you don't buy quality to begin with, you will soon be replacing the cheap tool you first purchased. Another long time Jail officer was asked, "Why didn't they buy heavy duty grade shavers to begin with?" He answered, "They were trying to save money." An inmate retorted, "And they think this junk that barely lasts two weeks is saving money." In tacit agreement this officer also rolled his eyes back. 

Have they learned anything yet? No! They are still shopping for the lowest price. 
 

Tom Watson 
July 1, 2003