Lockup Extended Stay Season 18 Episode 5 Hard on the Yard

Lockup Extended Stay is a documentary series that explores the daily life and challenges of inmates in correctional facilities across the United States. In season 18 episode 5, titled "Hard on the Yard", the focus is on the inmates at the Wabash Valley Correctional Facility in Indiana, a medium-security prison with over 2,500 inmates.

The episode opens with footage of the prison yard, where inmates are participating in various recreational activities such as basketball, weightlifting, and running. One of the inmates, a convicted murderer named Richard, shares that exercise helps him clear his mind and alleviate stress. Another inmate, a former gang member named Delmar, says that the yard is where he feels the most free and alive.

However, the idyllic scene is shattered when a fight breaks out between two groups of inmates. The prison guards quickly intervene and use pepper spray to subdue the instigators. Several inmates are sent to the Special Housing Unit (SHU), or solitary confinement, as punishment for their involvement in the fight.

Throughout the episode, viewers are introduced to a variety of inmates with different backgrounds and crimes. One of them is Justin, who is serving a 40-year sentence for armed robbery and assault. He shares that the biggest challenge of prison life is the constant threat of violence, as inmates can never let their guard down. Another inmate, Ray, is a former drug dealer who admits to being addicted to money. He reflects on how his greed led to his downfall and hopes to use his time in prison to turn his life around.

The episode also explores the role of gangs in prison and how they contribute to the culture of violence. One of the inmates, a former Aryan Brotherhood member named Corey, explains how he joined the gang for protection but eventually decided to leave after realizing the harm it was causing. He now spends his time in prison studying law and hopes to become a paralegal upon his release.

The prison guards also share their perspectives on the challenges of maintaining order in a correctional facility. Sergeant Brown, a veteran guard, describes how he has to constantly assess and anticipate potential threats from the inmates. He shares that the job can be emotionally draining and that he often has to compartmentalize his feelings in order to maintain a professional demeanor.

Overall, "Hard on the Yard" offers a gripping and insightful look into the reality of life behind bars. It showcases the complexities and contradictions of the prison system, where violence and danger coexist with moments of hope and personal growth. The episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in understanding the challenges and realities of the American prison system.