Arkansas inmates call 'Unlocked: A Jail Experiment' a deceptive attempt to justify their incarceration
LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS: 'Unlocked: A Jail Experiment' documents Sheriff Eric Higgins' endeavor to enhance the living conditions and mental health of inmates under his care through a meticulously devised plan.
Despite numerous challenges, Sheriff Higgins maintained a cautious optimism regarding the outcomes of the experiment. He staunchly advocated for its continuation for the full duration. However, some inmates at the Arkansas detention facility saw it as a ruse to show America why they should be kept "behind the door."
Concerned about the deplorable conditions within the jails of the community to which he had dedicated his professional life, Arkansas sheriff Higgins came up with a daring plan. He aimed to implement a social experiment aimed at transforming the treatment of inmates at the Pulaski County Regional Detention Facility in Little Rock, Arkansas, by providing a genuine alternative to incarceration.
'Unlocked: A Jail Experiment', an eight-episode investigation into the consequences of unlocking unit cells for six weeks, meticulously documents the process by showing how inmates establish a community and organizational framework for themselves.
The objective was to determine whether granting inmates greater freedom and reducing control might lead to a living environment more centered on community and better aligned with one of the primary goals of incarceration: deterring future criminal behavior.
The first step was to remove deputies from the unit, which Sheriff Higgins felt would inspire inmates to assume greater responsibility for their daily activities. He also established a tier-based system in which inmates who display regular good behavior earn further rewards, similar to a re-entry section elsewhere in the jail.
The experiment required considerable fine-tuning. Alongside relocating the deputy station out of the unit, staff installed monitors to maintain external oversight and security. Before filming, the participants who agreed to partake in the experiment were briefed on what to expect.
Some of the detainees expressed concerns after learning the rules of the experiment. One of them immediately questioned Sheriff Higgins, "I see that you real big on being a humanitarian and helping the people. What about programs that help people get out of jail instead of being comfortable in jail?"
He stated that he did not want to be in there to feel comfortable or pacified. He intended to return home to his family, start anew, become a man, and join society. Sheriff Higgins stated that the experiment is merely the first step in achieving that goal.
Arkansas detention facility inmates worry 'Unlocked: A Jail Experiment' is going to backfire
Even though some convicts believed they would be "running the pod," others were concerned about potential complications. "This is gonna be shut down," one could be heard telling his cellmate.
Inmate Crooks stated in his confessionals about Sheriff Higgins, "He's not an idiot. He knows it's gonna fail. There's no way that you can possibly let criminals govern theirself."
Inmate Parkinson thought that if the authorities did what they said, they would be OK. But he also said, "I'll believe it when I see it, though." In his confessional, he stated, "It's about time that this situation is being acknowledged. They're paying attention to the real problem in this here county."
However, one inmate told the cameras, "There's a tension in the air now, know what I'm saying. So now they're gonna taste blood. So, I don't know what's gonna happen."
Speaking of no officers, the inmate expected some authority since "some people gonna need help." Another inmate was convinced it would succeed because "this is all of us together. We come together as one, and it's going to work. I have faith in it."
Some inmates hoped to host more parties now that the guards were gone since they no longer had to worry about them.
Following an incident that led to inmate Tyler sustaining a head injury, he commented on the program, saying, "As far as the open doors and them, their 'bigger picture' what kind of impact it makes. But (chuckles) I'm not really excited about that."
Inmate Don Don expressed confidence in managing the absence of guards, remarking, "A lot of people here should be able to, but it only takes one person in here to disrupt all of that. That's it."
Inmate Willie stated that all he knew about the program was, "We're giving you a chance to go ahead and screw yourself. We're betting against you on all odds that you clowns is gonna f*** up. And the moment that you do, we can show America this is why we keep you stupid clowns behind the door."
Who is Sheriff Eric Higgins?
Sheriff Higgins brings a wealth of experience to his role in law enforcement, with a long-standing career in the field. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Multidisciplinary Studies, with a particular emphasis on Government and Business.
Afterward, Sheriff Higgins pursued advanced studies, obtaining a Master of Arts in Human Services for Executive Leadership and Counseling from Liberty University. Sheriff Higgins began working for the Little Rock Police Department, Arkansas, in 1984.
For over three decades, he worked hard and advanced through the ranks at an astounding pace. In reality, he retired in 2015 as an Assistant Chief of Police.
As a police officer, Sheriff Higgins was an advocate for various initiatives aimed at aiding individuals in need, particularly those involved in criminal activities. He revived the Police/Youth Live-In Camp while still on the force, and the program continues to this day.
He also helped the African American community by establishing the Our Kids/O.K. Program, which focused on offering direction to young members of the Little Rock community. Sheriff Higgins is also an experienced instructor, having taught at Arkansas Baptist College, Shorter College, and the re-entry program Exodus - Out for Life.
When did Eric Higgins become Sheriff of Pulaski County?
Higgins took over as Sheriff of the Pulaski County Sheriff's Office on January 1, 2019, following his selection by the community, an honor for which he is grateful. This also put him in command of the Pulaski County Detention Facility.
The election was the first time an African American has held the post since it was established over two centuries ago. Sheriff Higgins was re-elected in 2022 as a result of his outstanding performance.
During his second term, Sheriff Higgins decided to implement the concept discussed in the Netflix episode. The H-Unit's inhabitants were convicts, and many of them had been in and out of legal custody several times.
'Unlocked: A Jail Experiment' is available for streaming in its entirety on Netflix.