PRISONER JOBS, AND TAKING DR*GS INTO JAIL? | INSIDE | AUSTRALIAN PRISONS

Cinemavixion Review

This documentary series, 'Inside', offers an unprecedented look into the Australian prison system, specifically within New South Wales. Guided by Corrective Services Commissioner Ron Woodham and presented by broadcaster Ray Hadley, the series grants viewers extraordinary access to the realities of life behind bars. From initial court remands to transfers between various correctional facilities, the cameras capture the journey of prisoners. A particularly striking element is Commissioner Woodham's personal engagement with inmates, sharing intimate details of their criminal histories and personal struggles, including instances of severe violence and self-harm. The program also features interviews with prisoners, providing their perspectives on incarceration. Notably, Hadley, a known advocate for law and order, appears to have his views nuanced by these encounters with individuals grappling with mental illness. The series highlights the complexities of the system, even showcasing Woodham's authority in editing content due to inmate behavior. It is a fascinating, albeit stark, glimpse into a world rarely seen with such depth.