Prison Diaries

Series produced by Radio Diaries

Series image

Five inmates, four correctional officers and a judge were given tape recorders.

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. Hide full description

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... Show full description


4 Pieces

Order by: Newest First | Oldest First
Piece image
At the age of 15, Cristel viciously attacked a rival classmate with a razor blade.

Bought by PRX Remix, Remix Radio, PRX to iTunes, and Marfa Public Radio


  • Added: Dec 09, 2003
  • Length: 20:05
  • Purchases: 4
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Radio Diaries gave both Judge Jeremiah, a Rhode Island juvenile court judge, and Matthew, a 16-year-old repeat offender, tape recorders in 2001. Ju...

Bought by KRCC-FM, PRX Remix, Remix Radio, PRX to iTunes, KXOT Public Radio and more


  • Added: Dec 09, 2003
  • Length: 17:46
  • Purchases: 7

  • Added: Dec 09, 2003
  • Length: 21:33
  • Purchases: 4
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John Mills, a 21-year-old inmate, is serving seven to nine years.

Bought by PRX Remix, Remix Radio, PRX to iTunes, Hearing Voices, KPCC and more


  • Added: Dec 09, 2003
  • Length: 18:28
  • Purchases: 6