Parents' Guide to

The Squad: Prison Police

By Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 16+

Tennessee prison reality docu is graphic and violent.

TV A&E Reality TV 2010
The Squad: Prison Police Poster Image

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What's the Story?

THE SQUAD: PRISON POLICE follows special agents who respond to and investigate crimes in Tennessee prisons. Cameras follow Deputy Director Jerry Lester as he leads the prison police team, which includes Special Agent in Charge Jason Woodall, undercover operations expert Special Agent John Fisher, gang expert Sergeant Nicky Jordan, drug expert Sergeant Valerie Hampton, and Special Agent Joe England. Agents Donan Clark, Scott Miller, and Richard Metcalfe round out the group. Together they work to solve cases involving gang attacks, drug smuggling, and other illegal activities taking place inside some of the state's maximum-security prisons.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say Not yet rated
Kids say (1 ):

This gritty series underscores the fact that prison police squads regularly put their lives on the line to control over-crowded prisons. It also highlights the violent culture of state prison systems and the high level of illegal activity that takes place in them.

It's interesting, but it also offers some troubling messages. Despite reminders that people are innocent until proven otherwise, the squad members consistently suggest that the prisoners they're investigating are guilty. And, ultimately, the show paints a very grim picture of law enforcement's inability to control major crimes behind prison walls.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about reality shows that focus on law enforcement. What messages do they send?

  • Do you think showing the violent behavior of inmates and other illicit activities serves a purpose beyond being entertaining? If so, what?

  • What's the impact of the violence shown in this series? How does it compare to violence on a fictional series?

TV Details

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