On the Outside

In 2014, Purple States TV and DCTV collaborated to bring the reentry experience to life through the stories of 'ordinary' prisoners on parole. As there is limited public awareness of the realities that impede successful reentry, this project added accuracy and complexity to the issue.

On the Outside (OTO) was created to inform thought leaders and policymakers, and provoke an honest conversation about the impact of prison on the futures of inmates and their children.

In partnership with the documentary's producers, the Institute for Municipal & Regional Policy screened this documentary locally in Connecticut to build broader public awareness and understanding around issues of prisoner re-entry.

Building on this experience, the IMRP produced a case study of how documentary journalism of this kind can inform discussions of policy and practice (view full case study & Executive summary).

Funding for this project was provided by The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven and the W.K. Kellogg Foundation.

Although we are no longer actively seeking screening locations, we have designed a screening toolkit and welcome the opportunity to assist any entities wishing to screen the documentary. Email imrp@uconn.edu for more information.

Click below to link to the "Life on Parole" documentary.

Life on Parole | Frontline | PBS

To see more related videos click here.

FRONTLINE and The New York Times go inside an effort to change the way parole works in Connecticut and reduce the number of people returning to prison. The film follows four former inmates as they try to find work, stay sober and keep out of trouble while navigating their first year on parole. View the video transcript. Click on the links below to see more.