Locked Up in America

For prisoners, solitary confinement or segregation can feel like "being buried alive." Directed by Dan Edge, this PBS-aired two-part Frontline documentary examines two facets of crime and justice in America today. "Solitary Nation" takes the viewer inside the Maine State Prison, where hardened, violent criminals spend 23 hours each day locked up in their cells. Solitary is often a vision of bedlam—with howling inmates who cut themselves, smear blood on the walls, urinate in their cells, and push bodily wastes under the doors and out into the hallway (one inmate here regularly threatens to kill the warden). Ironically, this behavior—provoked by solitary confinement—leads to more time in lockdown. During the 19th century, solitary was considered to be both humane and progressive, offering a time for inmates to meditate on their sins. Today, prison officials are trying to find alternatives to this type of punishment, but no solutions are on the horizon. "Prison State" takes viewers to Kentucky, where "frequent flier" inmates—including teens—revolve in and out on a regular basis, overtaxing prisons while also straining taxpayer resources. Some of the juveniles are incarcerated for non-violent offenses, but their rage builds with each return trip to prison. One Vietnam vet here tries to overcome nightmares and combat stress, hoping to leave his old life of drug abuse and petty crime behind. A prison official concludes that society must decide "who we are mad at and who we are afraid of," and then sentence accordingly. Featuring hardcore language and disturbing images, Locked Up in America offers a thought-provoking look at a pressing social issue. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (S. Rees)