Ep 6. Richland County, SC
- TV14
- December 8, 2011
- 42 min
In Beyond Scared Straight season 2 episode 6, viewers are taken to Richland County, SC where a group of at-risk youth are brought to the county jail in an effort to steer them away from a life of crime. The episode begins with introductions to the young participants and the correctional officers who will be leading them through the program.
The first stop on the tour is the intake area of the jail where new inmates are processed. The youth are shown the strip search procedures, fingerprinting, and how they will be classified once they enter the jail. The correctional officers explain that this is the first step in losing their identity and becoming just another inmate.
Next, the youth are taken to a cell block where they witness first-hand life inside a jail cell. They are shown the small space where inmates are confined and how they are locked down for most of the day. The officers explain the rules of the jail and how inmates are punished for breaking them. One inmate shares his story of how he ended up behind bars, and the youth are warned that this could be them if they don't change their ways.
The youth are then taken to the recreation yard where they witness the aggressive behavior of some inmates. The correctional officers explain that fights and gang activity are common inside jails, and that inmates often have to fight to survive. The youth are shown how the correctional officers handle these situations and how they must maintain control at all times.
The tour continues with a visit to the medical ward where the youth see how injured inmates are treated. They are shown the various injuries that can occur in jail and how they can be life-threatening. The youth are warned that once they enter the jail system, they are responsible for their own safety and survival.
The final stop on the tour is the maximum-security unit where the most dangerous inmates are housed. The youth are shown the level of security and how inmates are monitored 24/7. They witness the use of force and restraint measures used by officers to control aggressive inmates. The officers emphasize the importance of following the rules and staying out of trouble to avoid ending up in this unit.
After the tour, the youth are brought to a group session where they reflect on what they have seen. They discuss how they feel about the experience and what they have learned. The correctional officers lead the discussion and offer advice on how to stay out of trouble and avoid jail time.
The episode ends with the youth leaving the jail and reflecting on their experience. Some express a newfound appreciation for their freedom, while others are still resistant to change. The correctional officers hope that the program has made an impact on these young people and that they will make better choices in the future.
Overall, Beyond Scared Straight season 2 episode 6 offers an eye-opening look into the reality of jail life and the consequences of criminal behavior. The program is a valuable tool for at-risk youth to see first-hand the reality of jail and the impact it can have on their lives. It is a harsh wake-up call that may ultimately help steer these young people in a more positive direction.