Could a person be listed in two places on the 1940 census?

Question

My father appears to be listed twice on the 1940 census.  He is listed at his known address and also in the county jail!  All the data match except the answers to his present employment, finishing high school and present salary.  His prison profile paints a much better picture of him than his home profile.  Could he be listed in both places?

Answer 1

Yes, the US Census in any certain local was accomplished on different dates depending on number of families and how many Census takers they had available.  The practise would be discouraged, but if the Census Taker was unaware or did not care a duplicate could happen.

Comments

I have met the same person recorded in two different households on the same date in the UK.. It was down to the person who filled in the form not understanding the rules for who was resident at the time.