Ep 4. Hudson County, NJ

Beyond Scared Straight is a popular television show that documents the efforts of various law enforcement officials across the United States in deterring juvenile delinquents from committing criminal acts. The show follows these officials as they take a group of at-risk young adults to a local jail or prison facility, where hardened criminals confront them in a bid to scare them straight.

The episode entitled Hudson County, NJ was the fourth episode of the third season of the show. It follows a group of teenage girls from Jersey City, New Jersey, who are brought to the Hudson County Jail in order to experience the harsh reality of prison life and hopefully turn their lives around.

The episode begins with the girls being introduced to their new surroundings. They are led through the entrance of the jail and into a holding cell where they are left to wait. As they sit and wait, they begin to realize that they are in a place they never thought they would be. The reality of where they are and why is dawning on them.

After a few minutes, the girls are led out of the holding cell and into the prison proper, where they are confronted by a group of female inmates. These inmates are some of the most hardened criminals in the jail, and they are there to show the teenage girls what happens when they make bad choices.

Throughout the episode, the girls are subjected to a barrage of verbal abuse and intimidating behavior from the inmates. They are yelled at, cursed at, and even threatened, all in an effort to scare them straight. The girls are shown what life is like for prisoners, including the less-than-ideal living conditions, the cramped cells, and the constant threat of violence.

As the girls make their way through the prison, they also meet with a group of correctional officers who share their experiences working with young offenders. These officers talk about the difficulty of their job and the dangers they face every day. They also try to impart some wisdom onto the girls, urging them to make better choices and stay out of trouble.

One of the most powerful scenes in the episode comes when the girls are taken to the prison yard and are introduced to a group of former inmates who have successfully turned their lives around. These inmates tell their stories of how they ended up in prison and how they managed to change their ways and become better people. The girls are given hope that they too can turn their lives around if they stay on the right path.

Throughout the episode, the girls are pushed to their limits emotionally, physically, and mentally. The experience is designed to shock them into understanding the consequences of their actions. While some girls take the lesson to heart and vow to make positive changes in their lives, others remain defiant and dismissive.

By the end of the episode, it's clear that the experience has had a profound effect on all of the girls, whether they choose to admit it or not. It's a powerful reminder of the importance of making good choices and the importance of offering support and guidance to at-risk youth.

Overall, Hudson County, NJ is a heartfelt look at the efforts being made to combat juvenile delinquency in America. It's a gripping, emotional, and eye-opening episode that is sure to leave viewers with a newfound appreciation for the challenges facing our society.