This used to be done at our school but had to be done away with due to horseplay from the older kids. We had the jail in the school and it got a little messy with every one running about. The kids would just "arrest" someone the best I can remember. They would have to stay 15 minutes or pay the quarter fine and get out sooner. I think. There may have been "arrest warrants". Looks like that would work better to print out a few "warrants" have someone to pay for it AND have a fine to get out. Depends on how much money you want to make.
At the risk of sounding really ignorant--how does it work? Do people offer to go to jail, or do you sort of Shanghai them? Does everyone get the same bail? Do people get sponsored like in a walk-a-thon? Could you market it to KEEP people in Jail? Is there some sort of score board?
It sounds like a lot of fun, and I see it's a potential money-maker--a library near us made 25,000 in one day!
Pros-
* Lots of fun for everyone and if done in a social enviroment, my husband had a blast with all the attention!
Cons-
* Mr. "mykidsmom" (LOL) was nominated by a co-worker for the MDA event and the toughest part was calling friends and asking for money to get my husband outta jail! Bail was set kindda high for us ($250) but the MDA people were very happy with the $100 he was able to get donated.
Of course his employees were paying to KEEP him in (probaby made the 250 and never knew!) but all in all he would do it again in a heartbeat....not for me but for MDA!
I would say keep bail at an easy amount if people are being nominated and contacted in advance about there sentence. Make collection easy or be able to offer several ways to pay if you can.
but for MDA!