The controversial Netflix docuseries “Unlocked : A Jail Experiment” has sparked widespread debate about incarceration practices in Pulaski County, Arkansas. Sheriff Eric Higgins recently announced plans to expand the experimental living arrangement featured in the show to a second, larger unit within the county jail. This decision comes amid both praise and criticism from local officials and state legislators.
Innovative approach to inmate supervision
The Netflix series chronicled a radical new approach to incarceration implemented by Sheriff Higgins in a single pod of the Pulaski County Regional Detention Facility. Key aspects of this experiment included :
- Increased freedom of movement for detainees
- Remote supervision via cameras
- Emphasis on community-building among inmates
Sheriff Higgins drew parallels between this approach and effective community policing, stating that “In jail, the detainees are the community.” He emphasized the importance of treating inmates with respect to foster positive behavioral changes and improve interpersonal relationships.
The transition from “direct supervision” to “indirect supervision” raised eyebrows among some officials. However, Higgins noted that indirect supervision is actually the most common form of detention in Arkansas facilities. This shift was partly necessitated by staffing shortages, with the Pulaski County jail currently facing about 60 employee vacancies.
Measuring success and expanding the program
Despite initial skepticism, Sheriff Higgins unequivocally declared the experiment a success. He pointed to several positive outcomes :
- Inmates reported feeling safer in the experimental setting
- Increased requests for educational programming and rehabilitation opportunities
- Improved communication between inmates and staff
Interestingly, detainees specifically requested the return of a deputy to the pod, not for security reasons, but as an “information resource.” This unexpected development highlighted the inmates’ desire for regular access to information about facility operations and services.
Based on these encouraging results, Higgins announced plans to expand the experimental living arrangement to a second pod housing 79 inmates – a significant increase from the original 49-person unit. This expansion aims to further test the viability of the approach in different contexts within the jail.
| Original Unit (H Unit) | Expansion Unit |
|---|---|
| 49 inmates | 79 inmates |
| Featured in Netflix series | Upcoming implementation |
Addressing criticism and future plans
Sheriff Higgins faced pointed questions from both media and government officials regarding the experiment. He expressed disappointment in the backlash from some county officials and state legislators, noting that many critics had not accepted his invitations to visit the jail and observe the program firsthand.
Higgins defended his decision to include individuals with life sentences in the experiment, explaining that he wanted to create a population that reflected a “typical unit” in the facility. This approach, he argued, demonstrates the potential for the arrangement to work across various inmate demographics.
The sheriff also addressed concerns about mental health services within the jail. He revealed ongoing efforts to secure funding and approval for expanded mental health programs, including :
- Attempts to use federal American Rescue Plan funds
- Requests for additional resources from the Pulaski County Quorum Court
Higgins expressed frustration with some quorum court members who, he claimed, were reluctant to “spend money on people who aren’t their constituents.” This highlights the complex political landscape surrounding jail reform efforts.
Looking ahead : Creating a culture of change
Throughout the press conference, Sheriff Higgins emphasized his commitment to creating a safer and more rehabilitative environment within the Pulaski County jail. He repeatedly stated that “Creating culture works,” underscoring his belief in the power of systemic change to improve outcomes for both inmates and staff.
The expansion of the experimental living arrangement to a second unit represents a significant step forward in Higgins’ vision for jail reform. By continuing to implement and refine these innovative approaches, the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office aims to :
- Reduce recidivism rates
- Improve inmate behavior and well-being
- Enhance staff-inmate relationships
- Create a model for potential statewide reforms
As the program expands, all eyes will be on Pulaski County to see if this unconventional approach to incarceration can deliver on its promises of improved safety, rehabilitation, and community reintegration. The success or failure of this experiment could have far-reaching implications for jail management practices across Arkansas and beyond.
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