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Five inmates, four correctional officers and a judge were given tape recorders. For six months, the diarists kept audio journals and recorded the sounds and scenes of everyday life behind bars: shakedowns, new inmate arrivals, roll call, monthly family visits, meals at the chow hall, and quiet moments late at night inside a cell.
Prison Diaries aired in on NPR's All Things Considered in January 2001. Launched
in conjunction with Prison Diaries is Picture Projects' Web site:
www.360degrees.org. The site features in-depth accounts from some of the
inmates who have kept diaries, as well as interviews with family members,
judges, lawyers, correctional officers, victims and victims' families. 360-degree panoramas allow viewers to enter the inmate's cell, the judge's chamber or family's living room while listening to the audio diaries.
John Mills, a 21-year-old inmate, is serving seven to nine years. As a kid, John dreamed of becoming a police officer, but by the time he was locked up at the age of 17, John had committed more than 75 armed robberies. John is trying to make a change in prison, but sometimes it is hard for him to forget the thrill of putting a gun to someone's head.
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Sergeant Furman Camel is retiring after 27 years. Officer Alicia Covington remembers the day her son walked through the gate as an inmate. And other diaries from officers who work behind bars at Polk Youth Institution.
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Matthew and the Judge: Juvenile Court Diary
One year ago, Judge Jeremiah, a Rhode Island juvenile court judge, and
Matthew, a 16-year-old repeat offender, were given tape recorders. During
that time, Judge Jeremiah released Matthew early, for good behavior. Two
weeks later, Matthew was arrested again for selling drugs. Through their
diaries, Matthew and the judge tell the same story from two different
sides of the bench.
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A year and a half later, our friend and diarist 18-year-old Matthew Omisore was killed. We put together this remembrance for NPR that aired on February 27th.
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Going Home: Cristel's Diary
At the age of 15, Cristel viciously attacked a rival classmate with a
razor blade. The crime was one of the most violent acts ever committed
by a young girl in Rhode Island. Now, after 3 1/2 years of incarceration,
Cristel is getting ready to be released early. Many in the state consider
her to be a poster child for rehabilitation.
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Radio Diaries is a not-for-profit production company