This week on Behind The Lens, the number of inmates held at The Orleans Justice Center has surpassed the city’s jail population cap, sparking questions about how to increase releases while reducing bookings — and what the rising jail population means for the health of those incarcerated, and for the city of New Orleans.

And for decades, the Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola has forced prisoners to work outside in fields even in extreme heat. As this summer heats up, prisoners have filed an emergency motion asking a federal judge to halt the practice.

Our guests this week are Lens reporters Nick Chrastil, La’Shance Perry and managing editor Katy Reckdahl. 

Theme music by Podington Bear. Additional music Sututyroge by Podington Bear soundofpicture.com. 

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Carolyne Heldman has been in media for 35 years, most recently as Executive Director at an NPR member station in Colorado where she was responsible for new multi-platform content initiatives, strategic...