Louis Theroux visits a Miami jail...

[max_tranmere]

I watched the second episode tonight, and I found this and the first one very interesting. That jail in Miami is huge and it is also an absolute hell-hole, packed to the rafters with thousands of inmates who live often eight to a cell for 24 hours a day. They have no natural light, except for the window across the landing way past where the bars to their cell end, and they are only allowed out for 2 hours a week to exercise in an enclosed yard.

The US system seems to have it about right - I think our jails should be just as harsh. Part of me couldn't help but be slightly troubled though in both of these episodes by the totally hopelessness of some of the inmates, it seems they were more or less destined for a life in jail from when they were born. One guy, who was facing the death-penalty, said the only people he looked up to when growing up were 'snakes' (bad people who lived gangster lives in other words). His father was one too and, rather unsurprisingly, he went down that road himself. He said he was part of a gang, two of whom are now dead, and he was in jail for allegedly killing a rival gang member. Another guy, who was 21 and looking at 40 years inside, said that family life on the outside was so chaotic that it was a relief to be in prison.

It was also said on the programme that fighting is a way of life in there, you had to prove yourself once you were put in one of these cramp cells. All the people in there were hard gangsters and if you could not stand your ground you would be beaten up. The officers did not supervise much. They were asked as they walked away whether they thought the guy who had just been placed in the cell would be OK and they would reply 'I hope so'.

Even though they had done bad and deserved to be in jail you got the impression that most of these guys never had a chance, and if ever any of them do get out they would just commit more crime and be back behind bars before long. Something else I noticed was that virtually all of them were black. Out of 50 people you would see only about 3 would be white. It is a shame. You were not only seeing bad people, you were seeing people who had been completely failed by the system aswell.

Did anyone else see these programmes and what did you think? Very interesting viewing I thought.

[wayne]

Considering our system is based offednding = reward im for the more american approach.

[Jonone]

"Something else I noticed was that virtually all of them were black" It's called institutionalised racism Max.

[andy at handiwork]

It should be pointed out that as the place is a jail, rather than a prison, the people featured in the programme are on long-term pre-trial remand, and have not had their 'day in court' never mind been convicted of anything. John Howard and Elizabeth Fry must be turning in their graves.

[max_tranmere]

This was the only programme I've seen with Louis Theroux where he seemed to conduct serious interviews. There is usually a slightly sarcastic, patronising, approach from him - without the interviewee realising it. These programmes involved a bit more sincerity on his part and therofore made the programmes better.

[Jonone]

Fear probably took the edge off his humour. His safety may have been assured but if that environment is unfamiliar then there's sure to be a foreboding atmosphere about the place.