Stacey Dooley’s new documentary will allow viewers to see inside an unusual American prison.
The ‘progressive’ prison in Iowa – which allows inmates to have pet dogs and unlimited phone calls – has allowed the British filmmaker, 33, a chance to get to know inmates who are serving life sentences for committing crimes such as murder.
In the upcoming doc Stacey Dooley: Locked Up With The Lifers the Strictly star shows inside the female only prison where criminals have access to large TV’s, make-up and are not given a curfew.
A number of inmates are also shown petting their dogs – which include tiny chihuahuas.
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Speaking to warden Cheryl in the footage, Stacey says: “There will be some people who will think this is totally unjust and that they shouldn’t be able to live a life like this inside.”
Cheryl responds: “I would say the key word is inside.
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“When you step out of here, you will see the fence and razor wire. No matter how comfortable and pretty this place is at the end of the day it is still prison.”
Elsewhere in the documentary Stacey details how she has been to many prisons during her time as a journalist and notes that the Iowa Correctional Institution seems “strangely calm.”
(Image: BBC)
The BBC favourite is greeted by many of the inmates as she strolls around and she also watches prisoners sit down and play board games and celebrate a fellow lifer’s birthday.
Stacey notes that the women have made the jail their home before spending time with one prisoner Tatiana Dixon, 27, who was convicted of first degree murder at the age of 20.
(Image: BBC)
As they chat Tatiana tells Stacey that she suffers from bipolar disorder and that she struggles in the institution as she sometimes wants to be alone.
Despite the prison being liberal, Tatiana then says that she can never have her own space as the staff are “always watching.”
*Stacey Dooley: Locked Up With The Lifers, Sunday 19th April, BBC Two, 9pm
