The prison disorders ranged from minor fires and vandalism to destruction of buildings and other significant physical plant damage. Although there were some serious injuries to BOP employees, there were no deaths and no hostages taken. Most situations were brought under control in a few hours, although four were considered serious. The committee that investigated these disorders found that most of the BOP's emergency response policies and procedures worked. Although there was major property damage at some locations, most institutions were able to curtail disruptive activity and quickly restore order. Local tactical resources were effective. As a matter of philosophy, the committee recommended that the BOP continue its reliance on its unit management system to communicate with inmates and help staff maintain the BOP's traditional interpersonal controls. The need for increased use of attack-restraint doors, windows, locks, sashes, food slots, and other hardware in medium-security facilities was a noteworthy finding. Findings also suggested a need to reconsider selective placement of towers to provide improved supervision and control of central compounds in high- security institutions and recreation yard areas at new and existing medium- and high-security facilities. Another key finding was that BOP staff could benefit from additional training programs that will enable them to better deal with an inmate population on an interpersonal basis and respond more effectively to emergency situations. Regarding tactical/procedural issues, the committee recommended that the BOP develop a national alarm/advisory system to alert agency staff of events or issues that could have an adverse impact on institutional operations, as well as a method for implementing and lifting a nationwide lockdown. Because firearms were deployed more extensively than had ever been the case in BOP institutions, the committee recommended a full examination of the BOP's policy and procedures on the use of armament.