COLUMBIA, S.C. – “Character in Custody” – a new, one-hour documentary film produced by South Carolina Educational Television (SCETV) – is set to premiere on the network Thursday, November 21 at 8:30 p.m.
Produced by Holly Bounds Jackson, director of Operations at ETV Lowcountry, “Character in Custody” explores the character-based approach utilized at Allendale Correctional Institution (ACI) and the transformative effect that approach is having on inmates.
One of 21 state correctional institutions, ACI opened in 1987 as a Level 3, maximum security facility. Shortly after its opening, ACI earned a reputation for being “the worst of the worst” among the state’s prisons. It had its share of riots, escapes and violence against staff. But, in 2011, the new administration had a change of heart about the way it operated and decided to shift to becoming a more character-based facility focused on peer-to-peer accountability.
Following this move, ACI was downgraded to a Level 2 institution. And, today, with approximately 1,200 total inmates, it’s known as the state’s only full character-based facility, offering programs like beekeeping, pottery, art, quilting and pet therapy. Inmates battling drug and alcohol addiction can also participate in recovery programs, and many are enrolled in classes to earn their General Education Diploma.
“Character in Custody” takes a closer look at the unique operation of ACI and shows the risks and challenges administration face to make it possible.
For more information on “Character in Custody,” visit www.scetv.org/documentaries.
QUOTES:
“Part of our mission is to document, preserve and share the state’s greatest and lesser known stories. The transformation that’s taken place at Allendale Correctional Institution is certainly one of those stories, and I’m proud that we’re able to present it to the people of this state in such a compelling way.” –SCETV President and CEO Anthony Padgett
“The way Allendale Correctional Institution operates is like no prison you’ve seen on television. After my first visit there, I knew people had to see this to believe it. Lives are being changed, and those who make it happen believe the offenders and the community they will one day re-enter can all be better because of this take on corrections.” –“Character in Custody” Executive Producer Holly Bounds Jackson
FIVE FAST FACTS:
- “Character in Custody” – a new one-hour documentary film that explores the character-based approach utilized at Allendale Correctional Institution – will premiere Thursday, November 21 at 8:30 p.m. on SCETV.
- The film was produced by Holly Bounds Jackson, director of Operations at ETV Lowcountry, SCETV’s regional station located in Beaufort, S.C.
- ACI opened in 1987 as a Level 3, maximum security facility. Following its transition into a character-based institution, ACI was downgraded to a Level 2 facility.
- “Character in Custody” takes a closer look at the unique operation of ACI and shows the risks and challenges administration face to make it possible.
- For more information on “Character in Custody,” visit www.scetv.org/documentaries.