Green Rock inmates train to be surveyor assistants

Years ago there was a young man named Christopher Johnson from Maryland. Chris was a wild and free-spirited child of the sixties. His trouble began when he discovered the Oklahoma State Trooper that stopped him was a child of the forties..

Oklahoma laws didn't allow for the transportation of the 3 kilos of weed that Chris had in his car. It wasn't but a few months and Chris was wearing the Dept. of Correction's best orange jump suit. But being a smart young man and somewhat ambitious, Chris exhibited "good behavior" and was soon placed in a work-release program. This was in late '72 or early '73, I believe.

Now surveyors being surveyors meant they were always looking for cheap help. An employer could enroll in the work release program and pick up a healthy bucket man for day work for minimum wage, a buck and a dime at the time. "Frank" picked Chris up for field help and was soon amazed at his talents. Chris told the story he was running the gun by the second week. I believe it.

Anyway, Chris did his time and got into surveying when he was released. By 1975 Chris had passed his LS exam (LS 1007) and was sitting on more work than he could say grace over. He did well, found a young Okie girl and settled down with a family.

His story ended tragically in the early eighties when he took his eyes off the road for just a moment. I still miss old "double-o-seven" as we use to call him. Every once in a while I still come across one of his corner references.

While not a common place to start, prison can sometimes be a jumping off point for a stellar career. It was for Chris.

Sad ending to a great story...

> While not a common place to start, prison can sometimes be a jumping off point for a stellar career. It was for Chris.

Back when I was fresh out of school, the engineering firm I worked for had a large project at the Oregon State Pen. Some how I was graced with the privilege of being on the crew for the project. Not that I complained because it got me out the office. Anyway I was amazed at how many of the residence had worked on survey crews at one time or another. It was enough that we joked it was the surveyor's retirement home.

It was an interesting way to spend a month. I was just glad that I got to leave the place every night.

Wait until they get out and see what they get paid. They will probably return to a life of crime.

:good:
I get the strangest looks when I confess to being in ALL the state prisons, two federal prisons, and three County jails....

Got along with the Captain and the Mates...aye

DDSM:beer:

"While not a common place to start, prison can sometimes be a jumping off point for a stellar career."

Actually, that's how I got my start but I was on the other side of the coin. In my past life I babysat them. I hated the job but I got real good grades while in college because I studied for 4-6 hours a day while at work.

I'm real glad I switched careers but I only make 2/3 of what I would if I had stayed and I'd be looking at retiring in 5 years at age 47. Oh well, I've had very few bad days while surveying.

Years ago on the old board there was a discussion how California or Fed prisoners were doing GIS work for private firms. There was quite a out lash by the public and the press to stop the practice over privacy concerns.

> > While not a common place to start, prison can sometimes be a jumping off point for a stellar career. It was for Chris.
> ...
> Anyway I was amazed at how many of the residence had worked on survey crews at one time or another. It was enough that we joked it was the surveyor's retirement home.
> ...

Well, there is an infamous Indy, Indiana poster from years ago who chose that retirement plan.

Many years ago I worked on a crew that was surveying for a Penitentiary expansion. Hot as heck, lots of digging, mostly rolling pasture. The trusties had built a rudimentary 5 hole golf course and played a round every few days, carrying parasols to beat the heat. I wondered who was having the better day.

That's exactly how I got into surveying. I believe I've chronicled that story more than once.
I wasn't doing state time, though, just county.

Don