National Geographic Channel - Lockdown viewer responses

Printed on August 27, 2007 National Geographic Channel

Lockdown viewer responses

March 19, 2008 8:53 AM

Over the past three years National Geographic Channel has gone inside some of America's toughest prisons. From profiling gang-life to what it is like for women who are locked up, Lockdown has been the leader of showing what real life is like on the inside. Sunday's premiere of Lockdown: County Jails is another chapter in the story of the United States' prison system.

Throughout this series we have heard your opinions, listened to your stories, and watched the debate of this very controversial sub-culture of our society. Below are responses from viewers from all walks of life reacting to the show. The channel appreciates the dialogue and hopes for it to continue. Comment here or e-mail us your thoughts directly at comments@Natgeochannel.com with Lockdown Reaction in the subject line.

Greetings to everyone. I was delighted to see these Officers doing the job of law enforcement that most people don't get to see. Why? Because these things take place behind the walls. I was as a Correction Officer in New York City and worked on Riker's Island. I am retired due to a line of duty injury. Only the family of this officers have any idea of the stress that they endure on a daily basis. For the most part they don't talk about it. So please give thanks to these brave officers for the guts they have to deal with these inmates. They deal with the worst of our society. They see and experience things most of the people on the outside do not see and deal with. - C/O Rodriguez

I enjoy the show; it gives the public an idea of how life is in prison. I had the misfortune of doing time in a men's prison for a drug violation. First off, the few luxuries you see inmates with they bought themselves. All the State gives you is clothes, 3 [pots] and a cot. Every thing else is purchased thru commissary. Even the T.V. they watch. A heavy price is paid in day after day of the same poor food quality. Constant boredom. Huge over crowding, bad smells. Indifferent staff, it is an all around nightmare if you are caught up in it. My biggest beef was the over crowding, three men to a cell that in the past 1 man would groan about. So don't be thinking it's a tip toe in the tulips... The US has the most people in prison in the harshest of conditions of any where in the world. Other countries still treat there prisoners with dignity. Here you are just a number, no rehabilitation; just warehouse them in the US. - Jeff

I only read a little bit cus' it reminded me of my time in jail, it wasn't prison but I do agree it's a world within a world, each time I was locked up in a Maine jail, I honestly didn't know how long I was gonna be there. Nothing could compare to those questions and regrets that I still holed in my every action this may not be accepted but this is my thought - Manda

I watched your lockdown women behind bars, and was appalled at the fact those women have jewelry on, common clothes, and deal drugs with these bartering type things as if they were on the street. IT MAKES ME SICK! What a waste of good taxpayer's money. And what a way of putting prisoners life in worse danger. - Dawn

Our world is truly a world within a world. I appreciate NG putting it out like it really is. I work with inmates that are as close to "d row" as they can without being there. One minute you're every foul thing they can get out their mouth and in the same breath they "need" you to get or do something for them. Or don't let their food tray be wrong! I tell them if their tray meant that much to them they should have stayed in the yard. (Whew) - C/O Johnson

For those of you who believe that prisoners have it so easy, I hope that someday you have a better understanding of what really goes on inside. When people stop being treated like human beings they cease to act like it. And if you think this is a benefit to anyone, you're crazy! There is no such thing as rehabilitation going on in California prisons. And no matter how badly you want to punish people, society loses in the end. - Jason

I only watched parts of the show "lockdown women behind bars." I was just released from valley state prison October 3rd. 2006. On a violation and I am happy to say that I am done with the prison life. But not everybody in prison are bad people. There are some very nice people there. Every one makes wrong choices just some worse than others. And I feel everyone deserves second chances. It's hard to rebuild your life when you get out and your background prevents you to move forward in life. So many fall back. But thank you for showing your program on V.S.P.W. - Amanda

I too was a chain gang member. It was worst than I imagined. From the Guards to the inmates. I can tell you anything and everything that my eyes ever laid on but, I better keep my mouth shut. I too have a life to live. That jail was by far the most gruesome jail there is in my opinion. Chain Gang, that's a different story. It was horrible and humiliating... the tents alone were a different story too. The Women's tents I think was worst than the men's tents. I guess I should stop now before I get in trouble. - Unknown

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J. Ralston March 23, 2008 10:23 PM	How can I receive a video of lockdown for women? I need it to show to my daughter, who is an alcholic. Thanks
Erica April 23, 2008 12:44 AM	This show is great. I am currently writing a paper for my literature class about Prison Life. I am a definite advocat for the death penalty and I believe our prison system is a joke! Which is why I am working my way through law school so I can help change this. I hope this show wakes other Americans up so they realize that they are paying for these criminals to live like this from our taxes!
Denny C/O April 24, 2008 9:22 PM	What people fail to realize is that you can't trust inmates. Yes people do make mistakes but choosing a certain lifestyle is not a mistake. One of the greatest gifts God gave us is free will. C.O.'s don't have time to research every inmates background. When you let your guard down you put yourself and others in danger. Denny C.O. FL
HECTOR AND NOEMY April 28, 2008 6:41 PM	I suggest you make a video biography of mexican prisons like Cereso state prison in Juarez, Mexico.
jonado May 7, 2008 8:19 PM	this show is great I learn if I go to jail i wouldn't have fun and you should keep giving this show because every time you give give this show my dad and i watch it.and you gise should go to haiti and show people how it is in there jail.
unknown May 27, 2008 9:18 PM	thanks for your show i seen one show and it helped me open my eye and realize who my parner really was a criminal and x 4 level gang member now everything makes sense his behavior thanks alot
Calvin May 28, 2008 11:22 PM	Tonight, 28May08, I watched prison nation. What I heard was that most prisoners entering into the prison system just learn how to become a better criminal. I feel the problem is that the criminals do not fear the prison institution and in some cases it is a badge of honor to be in prison. We need to do away with rehibilitation and start punishing the criminals. Capital punishment should be brought implemented all over in the extreme. As an example, if your caught for folony theft, your thumb should be cut off first offense. Second offense your hand should be cut off. In addition, the offendants should be able draw in benefits from the goverment due to the amputation. Third offense, you should be put to death.
Calvin May 28, 2008 11:34 PM	Sorry, I had some typo's in the second para graph. It should say this. Capital punishment should be implemented all over in the extreme. As an example, if your caught for folony theft, your thumb should be cut off first offense. Second offense your hand should be cut off. In addition, the offendants should not be able draw benefits from the goverment due to the amputation. Third offense, you should be put to death.
Alex May 29, 2008 1:08 AM	Wow. This show shows how pathetic our jails are. The people in the prisons have way too much freedom, and when the officers discover things (like drugs and weapons) they just let the gangsters get away with them. The gangsters should be hung or at least be put into solitary confinement. Want to end gangs? Just kill them all. Instead of ending them our country encourages these lowlife scumbags. A 100 years ago none of this would exist because they would just be killed. Now gangs thrive and we do nothing about it. We should pull the gangsters of out jail and put them in town square and be allowed to ridicule them and throw tomatoes or something at them. Gangs are screwing up our country and we do nothing about them. I mean, we could arrest Little Wayne right now for numerous drug charges because there is proof (HE EVEN ADMITS DOING DRUGS AND HAS PICTURES!) that he is doing drugs, but our law enforcement does nothing of to lock him up. This is pathetic!
Anonymous May 29, 2008 1:09 AM	Wow. This show shows how pathetic our jails are. The people in the prisons have way too much freedom, and when the officers discover things (like drugs and weapons) they just let the gangsters get away with them. The gangsters should be hung or at least be put into solitary confinement. Want to end gangs? Just kill them all. Instead of ending them our country encourages these lowlife scumbags. A 100 years ago none of this would exist because they would just be killed. Now gangs thrive and we do nothing about it. We should pull the gangsters of out jail and put them in town square and be allowed to ridicule them and throw tomatoes or something at them. Gangs are screwing up our country and we do nothing about them. I mean, we could arrest Little Wayne right now for numerous drug charges because there is proof (HE EVEN ADMITS DOING DRUGS AND HAS PICTURES!) that he is doing drugs, but our law enforcement does nothing of to lock him up. This is pathetic!
Anonymous June 4, 2008 1:36 PM	Prison Nation is very insightful. Is Prison Nation going to be released to DVD in the near future?
dwayne September 15, 2008 1:15 AM	I just wanted an update on donovon green. I hope he found a good place to start over. I was touched by his story. It made me look differently ex cons. God Bless.
Minonker September 15, 2008 2:07 AM	I too would like an update on Donovan Green. He is a prime example of the problem; no jobs for this black man before prison or after. Why can't we help these guys instead of judging them. Mr. Green did his time for his crime; not only being in prison but missing his daughter's and family's lives. Frankly, I think Mr. Green already found his job; a spokesperson for ex-cons, maybe National Geographic could continue this series with Mr. Green and actually pay him for his good work !
Minonker September 15, 2008 2:11 AM	By the way, I have searched and searched and searched the Internet and it's like Donavan (Donovon?) Green has disappeared. Someone please point me to a web site or blog where I can find out what is happening with Mr. Green. I pray to God he has found a job ! I know he is a changed man and deserves a new beginning !!!
HLRacing August 5, 2009 9:16 PM	http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/series/lockdown/3831/Videos#tab-Videos/05862_00 the above is a link to Mr Donavan Greens update!! Hope this helps............and I hope he is making it, although he may have gotten out at the very toughest time possible. But I struggle daily, and I'm making it......I walk with the Lord daily.
Symera August 9, 2009 5:37 PM	Skip, Donovan - you guys DO NOT lose your faith!! I just caught this show and I'll tell you, I was inspired! Donovan, your story is an inspiration. I feel like such a whiner ... life is not fair and it is hard. Pray to be a strong person - you all ready are - this is just God's test to make sure you know that are a strong person and that you can be successful and happy. The awful thing is the identity theft (I call it identity rape since it feels like you've been so violated) issue he's dealing with and that certainly complicating things.

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