Top 7 Documentaries on Drug Policies and Incarceration Rates

Drug policies have profoundly impacted incarceration rates, particularly in the United States. The War on Drugs, initiated in the 1970s, ushered in an era of stringent laws and mandatory minimum sentences, which led to a significant rise in the prison population.

Understanding the link between drug policies and incarceration is essential for evaluating their broader social consequences. This article highlights seven documentaries that offer valuable insights into how these policies have shaped the lives of millions, providing a comprehensive overview of their long-term effects on society.

1) 13th by Ava DuVernay (2016)

Ava DuVernay's documentary 13th provides a critical look at the United States' criminal justice system. The film is named after the Thirteenth Amendment, which abolished slavery but contains a clause allowing involuntary servitude as punishment for crime.

This loophole has contributed to the disproportionately high incarceration rates of African Americans. DuVernay's documentary meticulously examines the historical and political contexts of this issue.

The film employs interviews with scholars, activists, and politicians to illustrate how systemic racism has been perpetuated through the prison system. DuVernay's compelling narrative takes the audience from the era of slavery to the modern-day prison-industrial complex.

13th is available on Netflix and serves as an essential resource for understanding the intricate links between race, law, and incarceration in the United States.

More Information on 13th (IMDb)

2) The House I Live In by Eugene Jarecki (2012)

"The House I Live In" by Eugene Jarecki is a compelling documentary that scrutinizes America's war on drugs. Premiering in 2012, this film takes a deep dive into the consequences of drug policies on the criminal justice system.

Eugene Jarecki presents intimate and emotional stories from those directly involved. From drug dealers and narcotics officers to inmates and federal judges, the film captures a wide range of perspectives.

This documentary highlights the human rights implications of the U.S. drug policy. It reveals how drug-related offenses disproportionately affect marginalized communities and lead to staggering incarceration rates.

Experts and activists featured in the film advocate for drug policy reform. Organizations like The Sentencing Project push for changes in sentencing laws to reduce the mass incarceration problem.

Jarecki's narrative is bolstered by detailed interviews and stark visuals, making the case that drug abuse is more of a public health issue than a criminal one. The film urges viewers to reconsider the effectiveness and morality of current drug laws.

For more details, you can visit IMDb.

3) The Sentence by Rudy Valdez (2018)

"The Sentence" is a poignant documentary directed by Rudy Valdez. The film follows the harsh realities of mass incarceration and mandatory minimum drug sentencing in the United States.

Valdez's sister, Cindy Shank, is the central figure. She was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison due to her association with a Michigan drug ring years prior. Her involvement was tangential, highlighting the often severe consequences of drug policy.

The film captures the emotional journey of Cindy's family, particularly her three young daughters. Valdez documents their lives over a decade, creating an intimate portrayal of the toll her imprisonment takes on her loved ones.

Valdez spent nearly ten years filming hundreds of hours of footage. His commitment resulted in a deeply personal narrative that also serves as a critique of the criminal justice system.

This documentary was an official selection at the 2018 Sundance Film Festival. It has been praised for its emotional depth and the way it humanizes those affected by stringent drug laws.

For more information, visit IMDb.

4) Do Not Resist by Craig Atkinson (2016)

"Do Not Resist" by Craig Atkinson is a potent documentary that focuses on the militarization of local police departments in the United States. The film offers a critical look at the escalation in the use of military tactics, training, and equipment by law enforcement since the events of September 11, 2001.

The documentary takes viewers inside police training seminars where the concept of "righteous violence" is emphasized. It also provides footage from the congressional floor, showcasing debates over the distribution of military equipment to small-town police forces.

Of particular note is the film's examination of the increased frequency of SWAT raids, which have surged from approximately 3,000 annually in the 1980s to around 50,000 by 2014. This escalation is presented against the backdrop of civil unrest, such as the protests in Ferguson, Missouri, following the shooting of Michael Brown in 2014.

Atkinson's work is notable for its raw portrayal of the shift in policing strategies and the implications for civil liberties and community relations. "Do Not Resist" encourages viewers to consider the broader consequences of these policies on society.

For more information about "Do Not Resist," please visit its IMDb page.

5) The Prison in Twelve Landscapes by Brett Story (2016)

The Prison in Twelve Landscapes is a Canadian documentary film directed by Brett Story. The film, released in 2016, consists of twelve short vignettes that scrutinize the societal ramifications of the prison-industrial complex in the United States.

The documentary spotlights how various communities are intertwined with the sprawling prison system. It showcases a former industrial town in Kentucky now reliant on a federal penitentiary for local employment.

Brett Story provides a unique perspective by examining the impact of mass incarceration from outside the prison walls, offering a fresh angle on a pervasive issue. This film explores the presence of prison life in unexpected places such as front yards, public spaces, and social rituals.

For those interested, more information can be found on its Wikipedia page.

6) Vice Special Report: Fixing the System by Shane Smith (2015)

"Vice Special Report: Fixing the System," directed by Shane Smith, delves into the intricacies of the American criminal justice system.

In 2015, Barack Obama made history by becoming the first sitting president to visit a federal prison. VICE captured this momentous event as part of their comprehensive documentary.

The film addresses the broken aspects of the justice system, with a focus on mandatory sentencing and the repercussions for non-violent drug offenders.

Shane Smith and his team examine the systemic issues contributing to mass incarceration, exploring how these policies disproportionately affect marginalized communities.

A poignant documentary, it brings to light the human stories behind the statistics and scrutinizes the broader impact of current drug policies.

For more information, visit the IMDB page.

7) Crime + Punishment by Stephen Maing (2018)

Stephen Maing's "Crime + Punishment" examines the impact of illegal policing quotas within the NYPD. It captures the experiences of a group of whistleblower officers who expose these practices.

The documentary also highlights the challenges faced by minority communities disproportionately affected by these quotas. Through detailed observations, the film illustrates the broader implications of these practices on the justice system.

Released in 2018, "Crime + Punishment" received critical acclaim for its in-depth storytelling and won a special jury award for social impact at the Sundance Film Festival.

For more information, visit the IMDb page.

Overview of Drug Policies

Drug policies have evolved significantly over the decades, shaping incarceration rates, law enforcement practices, and societal treatment approaches. Key areas include historical legislative milestones and the various types of policies implemented worldwide.

Historical Context

In June 1971, President Nixon declared a "war on drugs," marking a pivotal moment in drug policy history. This led to a substantial increase in the size, presence, and funding of federal drug control agencies.

By 1973, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) was created to centralize efforts.

Early policies focused on punitive measures such as mandatory sentencing and no-knock warrants, significantly contributing to the rise in incarceration rates.

Over time, the emphasis shifted somewhat towards addressing drug addiction as a public health issue.

Types of Drug Policies

Drug policies can generally be categorized into prohibition, harm reduction, and decriminalization.

Prohibition involves strict enforcement and severe penalties for drug possession, trafficking, and use.

Harm reduction seeks to minimize the negative health and social impacts through programs like needle exchanges and supervised consumption sites.

Decriminalization entails treating drug possession for personal use as an administrative offense rather than a criminal one, reducing the burden on legal systems and prison populations.

These varying approaches reflect differing perspectives on how best to manage drug-related issues within societies.

Impact on Incarceration Rates

The impact of drug policies on incarceration rates is significant, influencing everything from prison populations to racial disparities. This section examines the statistical evidence, case studies, and compares policies across various countries.

Statistical Analysis

Drug policies, particularly the War on Drugs, have led to a substantial increase in incarceration rates in the United States. Before the implementation of these policies, the prison population was relatively stable. After the 1984 Comprehensive Crime Control and Safe Streets Act, there was a noticeable spike.

Key statistics:

The United States, with 5% of the global population, houses over 20% of the world’s prisoners.
Mandatory minimums and sentencing disparities further exacerbate these numbers.
Studies show that non-violent drug offenses account for a significant portion of these incarcerations.

Case Studies

Several documentaries and reports highlight the human impact behind these numbers. "13th" explores the exploitation of incarcerated African-Americans for labor, tying the past and present implications of systemic bias. Another critical case study in the United Nations report highlights federal policies' disproportionate impact on minority communities.

Notable examples:

African-Americans were significantly targeted during the War on Drugs.
Mandatory minimum sentences often led to longer-than-necessary prison terms.
Many incarcerated individuals faced minor drug charges, yet received severe penalties.

Comparison Across Countries

Comparing the U.S. approach to drug policies with that of other countries reveals stark differences. Countries like Portugal and the Netherlands have implemented more lenient drug policies and, as a result, exhibit much lower incarceration rates.

Table: Drug Policies and Incarceration Rates

Country Drug Policy Approach Incarceration Rate per 100,000 people United States Punitive 639 Portugal Decriminalization 138 Netherlands Harm Reduction 69

Key points:

Portugal decriminalized all drugs in 2001, focusing on treatment rather than punishment.
The Netherlands' harm reduction policies have led to not only lower incarceration rates but also better overall health outcomes.
The U.S. remains an outlier with its heavy reliance on incarceration for drug-related offenses.