Ep 3. Portsmouth, VA: Jail House Cookies

In Beyond Scared Straight season 9 episode 3, titled Portsmouth, VA: Jail House Cookies, viewers follow a group of at-risk teens as they visit the Portsmouth City Jail in Virginia. The episode begins with a recap of some of the program's past successes, before introducing the group of teens who will be featured in this episode.

As the teens enter the jail, they are greeted by a group of inmates who are serving time for various crimes. The inmates are quick to intimidate the teens, telling them about the harsh realities of life in prison and warning them about the dangers of continuing their criminal behavior.

Throughout the episode, viewers watch as the teens participate in various activities designed to scare them straight. These activities include spending time in a holding cell, learning about the daily routines of inmates, and witnessing the consequences of gang violence.

One particularly impactful moment in the episode occurs when the teens are introduced to an inmate who was involved in a gang shooting that left one person dead and two others injured. The inmate shares his story with the group, describing how his involvement in the gang led him down a path that ultimately led to his incarceration.

In addition to the various activities designed to scare the teens straight, the episode also highlights the efforts of the jail's culinary program. Inmates who participate in the program learn valuable cooking skills, and are given the opportunity to work in the jail's kitchen.

Throughout the episode, viewers watch as the inmates work to prepare a batch of homemade cookies for the visiting teens. While the cookies are a small gesture, they serve as a reminder that even those who have made mistakes in their lives are still capable of doing good.

Overall, Beyond Scared Straight season 9 episode 3 offers a compelling glimpse into the realities of life behind bars. Through its mix of tough love and genuine concern for the teens' well-being, the episode serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of making positive choices in life.