11,000 people are incarcerated in Lassen County, California, where a small town's economy increasingly relies on the construction of state prisons.
Synopsis
11,000 people are incarcerated in Lassen County, California, where a small town's economy increasingly relies on the construction of state prisons.
Synopsis
Lonnie Tyler sits in a cell at the state prison in Susanville, California. The town, once reliant on agriculture and timber, shifts its focus to prisons to revive its economy. With two state prisons and a federal facility nearby, half of the town's adults work in these institutions. The film follows Tyler, along with guards Dawayne Brasher and Gabe Jones, and dairyman Mike O'Kelly, as they navigate the changes brought by the prison's presence. "Prison Town, USA" aired in 2007 as part of the POV series on PBS.
Deep Dive
Why Watch
- Meet Lonnie Tyler, a prisoner in Susanville's state prison.
- Follow guards Dawayne Brasher and Gabe Jones in their daily work.
- Find out how the prison affects local dairyman Mike O'Kelly.
Did You Know
- Susanville has two state prisons and a federal prison nearby in Herlong.
- Half of the adults in Susanville work in the prison facilities.
- 11,000 people are incarcerated in Lassen County.
Perfect For
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main economic activity in Susanville, California?
The economy of Susanville has increasingly depended on prisons, with half of the adults in the town working in these facilities.
How many people are incarcerated in Lassen County?
There are 11,000 people incarcerated in Lassen County.
Who directed Prison Town, USA?
Prison Town, USA was written, produced, and directed by Katie Galloway and Po Kutchins.
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