Family members of Hays State Prison inmates are concerned that they haven't been able to visit their loved ones since January.

The prison was locked down on January 18 after the murder of three inmates and the stabbing of two correctional officers in the previous month.

According to Hays Prison Warden Rick Jacobs, the prison will continue it's lockdown procedure until all of the buildings housing inmates are renovated. So .far renovations are complete in buildings D and E, and renovations are beginning in building C. That will leave buildings A and B to be renovated. 

The renovations consist primarily of replacing old sinks, toilets, beds, etc., in cells. These items, among other things in the cells  had become old and brittle, allowing inmates to break off materials and  use them   to make shanks. The same shanks that have been used, or can be used, to stab other inmates.

Jacobs told AM1180 on Wednesday that his primary concern is that the sons, fathers, and husbands of those contacting AM1180 about visitation are safe. He says visitation is important and good for inmates, however an inmate's safety is more important. He said he's trying to make sure that when an inmates leaves his cell he will not be murdered by another inmate.

He said there has been tremendous progress thus far in the renovation process and visitation will be happening, however he was unable to give an exact time frame.

For more go to the AM1180 blog and listen to the most recent interview with Hays Warden Rick Jacobs  http://chattooga1180am.wordpress.com/