[IGSTK-Developers] Software Reliability : Computer Glitch Lets Prisoners Out Early

[Luis Ibanez]

 From Slashdot:

http://www.wlns.com/Global/story.asp?S=4004197

Some excerpts:

"A State audit shows a computer glitch let some Michigan prisoners get
out early. That audit shows the State Department of Corrections is only
moderately effective when it comes to accurate prisoner release dates.

The State audit report shows errors in the release dates of 23 prisoners
between October 2003 and March 2005. Some were let out early, while
others were let out late. Either way, the computer flaw that led to the
problem leaves 1 lawmaker concerned."

...

"The audit reports shows all the details of what happened. A flaw in
computer programming caused State jails to release 8 prisoners anywhere
from 39-161 days early, prisoners who were doing time for everything
from embezzlement and drugs to bad check writing."

"A minor flaw he says must be corrected to prevent major problems. The
Department of Corrections would not go on camera, but I did talk with
them on the phone. They say they've already taken steps to correct the
computer glitch and will continue to work until the problem is taken
care of. The audit report confirms the department agrees with all of its
recommendations."