Ep 8. Sacramento: Extended Stay- 352,955 Days to Life

In season 24, episode 8 of Lockup, viewers are taken to the Sacramento County Jail, where inmates are serving extended sentences. The title "352,955 Days to Life" is a reference to the amount of time the inmates featured in the episode will spend behind bars if they serve their maximum sentence.

The episode begins with an interview with an inmate named Kristy, who has been in jail for two years and is facing 27 years to life for second-degree murder. Kristy reflects on the events that led up to her crime and comments on how she has changed since being incarcerated. Throughout the episode, viewers are introduced to a number of inmates with similar stories of long sentences and difficult backgrounds.

One of the most moving segments of the episode features a group of inmates who participate in a program called "Project Fatherhood." The program is designed to help incarcerated fathers maintain relationships with their children and develop parenting skills. We see the inmates interacting with their kids during a special visitation day, playing games and reading books together. It's clear that this program is making a real difference in the lives of both the inmates and their children.

The episode also sheds light on the challenges faced by transgender inmates in the jail system. We meet an inmate named Joanna, who has been struggling with her gender identity for years. She talks about how difficult it is to be accepted by both the male and female inmates, and how she has faced discrimination and harassment. Joanna's story is a powerful reminder of the need for improved education and support for LGBTQ inmates.

As with most episodes of Lockup, there are plenty of intense moments in "352,955 Days to Life." We see fights break out in the yard and tensions flare between rival gangs. But the overall tone of the episode is one of reflection and introspection. The inmates featured in the episode seem to be grappling with the reality of their situations, and many express regret for the choices they made that landed them behind bars.

The episode concludes with an interview with Sergeant Tony DeMarco, who has been working in the Sacramento County Jail for over 20 years. DeMarco reflects on the changes he's seen in the inmates over the years, and about how the jail system can do a better job of preparing inmates for life outside of prison. It's a fitting end to an episode that is primarily focused on the human stories behind the prison walls.

Overall, "352,955 Days to Life" is an emotional and thought-provoking episode of Lockup. It shines a light on some of the challenges faced by inmates serving extended sentences, and on the efforts being made to help them heal and grow during their time behind bars.