Ep 3. St.Clair County, IL: History of Violence

Beyond Scared Straight season 8 episode 3 titled "St.Clair County, IL: History of Violence" delves into the world of juvenile delinquents in St. Clair County. From drug possession to assault, robbery to murder, the juveniles featured in the episode have committed a range of violent offenses. The episode highlights the consequences of these choices and the impact it can have on the rest of their lives.

The episode begins with the St. Clair County Sheriff's department's introduction of the Scared Straight program to the juvenile offenders. They meet a group of hardened criminals who have spent years behind bars for their crimes. The program aims to deter the participants from a life of crime by scaring them straight, with the help of inmates sharing their experiences.

As the juveniles are taken through the different areas of a correctional facility, they are introduced to prisoners, some of whom they can relate to. The prisoners share their stories of how they landed behind bars and the impact it has had on their lives.

One such inmate is Anthony, who was once a promising football player. He reveals how drug addiction led him to commit crimes that resulted in him being sentenced to 40 years in jail. Anthony speaks earnestly about his mistakes and the remorse he feels for the harm he caused to his family and friends and in society.

The juveniles witness a range of prison life, including the grueling routines, the harsh living conditions, and being confined to small cells for hours on end. This all the while being surrounded by the presence of dangerous and brutal individuals.

They also discover that prison is not a glamorous world filled with the luxuries that are often portrayed in movies. The harsh reality is that their actions could lead to a life surrounded by violence and predatory individuals, a life devoid of any semblance of freedom.

The Scared Straight program also takes the participants through academic programs aimed at improving their literacy skills, a vital attribute for their lives beyond prison walls. Through these programs, they are introduced to mentors who help them understand the value of education and the doors it can open for them in the future.

Throughout the episode, the participants' responses vary from extreme bravado to all-consuming fear. Many of the juveniles have grown up in poverty with limited parental guidance; therefore, the allure of quick cash seems like the only way out.

The program is designed to help them understand that there are other options and to empower them to make better choices. The participants are left with the knowledge that their actions have consequences and that they can change their lives if they listen and put in the effort.

The St.Clair County, IL: History of Violence episode of Beyond Scared Straight offers a stark reminder to juveniles of what they could face should their a life of petty crime lead to greater misdemeanor, and how, if they're lucky, they could end up being a part of programs like Scared Straight. It aims to strip away the glamour and bravado associated with prison life and to show them the stark reality of a life behind bars. The episode is both informative and emotionally charged, offering a sobering look at the juvenile justice system. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in issues surrounding juvenile delinquency and the efforts to reduce it.