Lock Up, Lock Down 2000
Distributed by Films Media Group, PO Box 2053, Princeton, New Jersey 08543-2053; 800-257-5126
Produced by The Discovery Channel
Director n/a
VHS, color, 51 min.
Sr. High - Adult
Criminal Justice, Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, Human Rights
Date Entered: 11/09/2018
Reviewed by Andrew Dutcher, M. S., M. L. S.Does warehousing violent offenders or attempting to rehabilitate them better serve society? This video explores this question by visiting the supermax Ohio State Penitentiary and San Francisco County Jail’s RSVP (Resolve to Stop the Violence Project) facility. Inmates, correctional officers, mental health professionals, and others are interviewed in a documentary style to contrast two different methods of dealing with prisoners- solitary confinement versus therapy-based dormitory living. Both sides are presented in a manner allowing the viewer to answer the central question.
Much of the footage was taken in these correctional facilities. This resulted in some footage containing undesirable shadows, poor color, background noise, and camera motion. However both the subjects and the information were well edited and presented very respectfully. In addition to illustrating some very tragic stories about life with correctional facilities, this video also shows the impact of counseling and rehabilitation programs within these environments.
This video would be a welcome addition to any academic library with programs in criminal justice, counseling, sociology, psychology, and anthology. It would also complement a public library with a criminal justice collection.