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Riker's Island is the world's largest jail, with 20,000 inmates. If you are arrested in New York City and can't make bail, Riker's will be your new home. Most young men in New York City have a better chance of going to Riker's Island than they do of going to college. Located just six miles from the Empire State building, it is a city within a city. But in this city 90% of the inhabitants are black or Hispanic, only 10% have graduated from high school, 20% are HIV positive, 25% test positive for tuberculosis, 70% are there for drug-related crimes. Inside we meet murderers, thieves and pick-pockets. We also meet Jimmy, who was born in jail to a drug addicted mother. Because of his drug habit, he contracted AIDS and now it looks like he will die in jail too. There are whole cell blocks filled with pregnant women and jails reserved for gays. Solitary confinement is a special place for inmates like Eddie White, who has already escaped three times. It's not cheap, costing more per person per night than the Waldorf Astoria. And, it's not effective: 70% of the inmates are back in Riker's within 2 years of their release. One billion dollars has been spent adding landfill and more cells. Is this the best answer that our society has? This moving, disturbing documentary will provoke serious discussion.
