FRESNO, Calif., Oct. 22, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Thomas Knowles, a dynamic, internationally experienced Senior Manager with 30+ years of exemplary success involving both local and federal law enforcement agencies, has joined the Board of Directors of Continental Prison Systems, Inc. (Pink Sheets:CPSZ), and its operating division called EZ Card & Kiosk, which provides the "cashless jail" solution to city and county jails around the US. Mr. Knowles, who retired from the FBI in 2006, brings superior organizational, analytical and exceptional decisiveness and problem-solving skills to the company.

"Every company that deals with law enforcement issues dreams of having someone like Tom on its board, and we are absolutely delighted that he has chosen to team up with us," said Ron Hodge, Chairman and CEO of CPSI. "His experience on the front lines of policing, at every level, and his extensive international knowledge and managerial skills are nothing short of impressive."

Thomas Knowles began his law enforcement career in 1975 with the Military Police in Stuttgart, Germany as part of a newly established anti-terrorism security protection team, before joining the Fresno Police Department in California. During the next seven years, Mr. Knowles worked nights in the busiest districts to gain valuable street experience, while finishing his college education during the day, earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminology at California State University - Fresno.

In 1985, Mr. Knowles began his FBI career, with assignments in Oklahoma, Los Angeles, Sacramento, Athens, Greece, Kandahar, Afghanistan and the FBI Headquarters Office in Washington, D.C. While with the FBI, Mr. Knowles pursued investigations in violent crime matters such as drugs, kidnappings, bank robberies and organized crime, before transferring to the International Terrorism Division just prior to the first bombing of the World Trade Center Towers in February of 1993. He then continued his work in terrorism matters both living and working assignments in Greece, the Middle East and the former Soviet Republic break-away states, before returning to FBI Headquarters as Chief of the International Operations Section responsible for FBI international offices. He retired from the FBI after managing a joint law enforcement terrorism task force, yet remains actively involved in the fight against both international and domestic terrorists.

Mr. Knowles has proven communication and persuasive skills that enabled the establishment of sensitive relationships among sometimes reluctant and suspicious parties. He has both the ability and personality to move easily among all levels, including top domestic and international leaders of law enforcement, which makes him an ideal member for the board of CPSI.

According to Mr. Knowles, when discussing EZ Card & Kiosk: "This system is a win-win for law enforcement and jail management everywhere. Being that typical cop who is suspicious of everything, I have never found one person who could point out a negative side to this system. Law enforcement deserves this, and just as important, the taxpayers and the public deserve this. I am very pleased to be part of this dynamic team."

For additional information about EZ Card and Kiosk solutions, please visit our website at www.ezcardandkiosk.com.

About Continental Prison Systems, Inc.

Continental Prison Systems, Inc. (CPSI), dba EZ Card & Kiosk, is the first kiosk, internet payment and release debit card provider to successfully introduce a full-suite solution for the "Cashless Jail." The company offers innovative solutions to city and county jails designed to streamline and reduce many of the operational and personnel costs required to properly manage detention facilities. Via its proprietary software, teamed with customized kiosk hardware and remote secure website technology, EZ Card & Kiosk is a "cashless" system for booking, collecting and depositing cash holdings of a new inmate, allowing an inmate's family and friends to make deposits into their trust account, and refunding their money at the time of their release (EZ Release Card). The kiosk is similar in appearance to a "Stand-Alone" ATM. Our goal is to help convert the jail into a 'cashless' environment through the use of kiosks for in-coming cash and the issuance of a debit card to an inmate at the time of his/her release. In doing so, the facility is relieved from repeatedly handling cash, further reducing errors and fraud.

The Continental Prison Systems, dba EZ Card & Kiosk, logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=6483

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