THE PRISON WAS FUNDED IN 1973, AND THE DIRECTOR PROPOSED MAKING IT AN EXPERIMENTAL INSTITUTION. THE GOAL WAS TO MAKE INSTITUTIONAL LIFE AS MUCH LIKE LIFE ON THE OUTSIDE AS POSSIBLE BY GIVING THE INMATE PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY FOR HIS OWN LIFE. AS A RESULT, SECURITY IN RINGE IS VERY LOOSE, THERE ARE NO TRADITIONAL GUARDS: THE STAFF IS COMPOSED OF 'STANDARD OFFICERS,' MOST OF WHOM ARE ORDINARY CARPENTERS. THE INMATES LIVE IN CO-ED HOUSING UNITS, COOK THEIR OWN FOOD, ARE PAID FOR WORK DONE IN THE PRISON'S FURNITURE FACTORY, ARE ALLOWED HOME FURLOUGHS, AND ARE ABLE TO PARTICIPATE IN OTHER ACTIVITIES THAT ARE COMMENSURABLE TO LIFE OUTSIDE THE PRISON....KAP