Rudolf Hess was the only person interned at Spandau Prison in Berlin while I was stationed in Berlin 1972-73. While still in custody in Spandau, he died by hanging himself in 1987 at the age of 93. After his death, the prison was demolished to prevent it from becoming a neo-Nazi shrine.

I don't think that Hess could have done much harm to anyone at the age of 93, but he might have become a living martyr, inspiring others. Same with Charles Manson, I think.

In general, I am in favor of all efforts to keep inmates close to their families. Our local jail has gone high-tech. For a fee, inmates can have video visits with their families as often as once a day - but fees are high, and face-to-face visits are very limited. I don't think that's very humane, but the Sheriff claims this is a great benefit to inmates.

-Joe-