STATE PRISONS CHIEF DEFENDS OFFICERS ACCUSED IN FIGHTS

The head of California's prison system said Friday that eight officers
accused of staging gladiator-style fights between inmates "acted
appropriately." He said his office would provide lawyers to defend them
against federal charges.

"After reviewing the evidence and statements given under oath, I believe
these officers acted appropriately." He said his office would provide
lawyers to defend them against federal charges.

"After reviewing the evidence and statements given under oath, I believe
these officers acted appropriately. It is important that we support our
officers who put their lives on the line every day they go to work,"
Corrections Department Director C.A. Terhune said in a written statement
distributed by his office.

The eight officers - a prison lieutenant, two sergeants and five
correctional officers - allegedly conspired to brutalize prisoners at
Corcoran State Prison in Kings County. One prisoner was shot in the head by
a guard during an April 1994 fight. Federal investigators said the fight
between rival gang members was deliberately staged but got out of hand.