National Geographic Documentaries Season 2012 Episode 34 Australia's Hardest Prison
- February 15, 2012
Australia's Hardest Prison is an emotionally charged and intense episode in National Geographic Documentaries season 2012. The episode focuses on Goulburn Correctional Centre, one of the toughest prisons in the world. The objective is to give viewers a glimpse into the lives of prisoners and the challenges they face while serving their sentences.
The documentary begins with an aerial view of the prison, surrounded by high-security walls, barbed wire fencing, and watchtowers. The prison is home to some of the most dangerous and violent criminals in Australia. The prisoners are segregated based on their crimes, and they live in tiny cells with little or no privacy.
The episode introduces the viewers to the prisoners, their stories, and the reasons why they are serving time at the Goulburn Correctional Centre. It also features interviews with the staff, including the warden, the guards, and the psychologists, who shed light on the challenges of managing such a high-security prison.
The documentary highlights how the prison tries to bring about a change in inmates' behavior and gives them a sense of purpose. It shows the innovative and creative ways in which the authorities try to keep prisoners occupied and engaged in activities such as sports, music, and art. However, due to the nature of Goulburn Correctional Centre, this is often an uphill battle.
The episode also highlights the dangers that come with serving time in such a prison. The prisoners constantly face the threat of violence from other inmates, many of whom have a history of being involved in gang-related activities. There is also the risk of being sexually assaulted, as the prison houses some of the most notorious sex offenders in the country.
The documentary shows the measures that the authorities take to maintain order and prevent violence. This includes routine cell searches, body searches, and the use of sniffer dogs. The prison also has a high-tech system of surveillance, which keeps a watchful eye on the prisoners' activities.
Australia's Hardest Prison is a thought-provoking documentary that highlights the challenges faced by prisoners and the staff at Goulburn Correctional Centre. It provides an insight into a world that many of us would never experience. The episode is informative and manages to deliver its message without being preachy. It is a must-watch for anyone who is interested in criminal justice or prison reform.