An in-depth news and public affairs series hosted by Gene Brodeur which tackles issues across the state relating to politics and government, natural resources, business development, and social changes. Produced by Gene Brodeur and Scott Sterling for MontanaPBS.
Montana's Prisons: A Growth Industry - Part 1 (No. 210)
In the first installment of a two part series on Montana Corrections, we travel to the Montana State Prison at Deer Lodge, where some 1400 prisoners are housed in buildings that range from minimum to maximum security. By contrast, 200 female offenders are serving sentences at the Women's Prison in Billings. Corrections Director Bill Slaughter talks about the shift to place non violent offenders in pre release centers. In our Op-Ed segment, we visit with Bozeman Daily Chronicle managing editor Bob Gibson, about a recent editorial opposing the call to build additional housing for an anticipated 5.6% increase in the state prison population. And, Lyle Gillette takes us on a tour of the state's first prison, built by inmates in 1871. (First Aired Thursday, February 10, 2005)
