Do They Get Paid On 60 Days In: The Surprising Reality of the Documentary’s Participants
As the popular A&E documentary series “60 Days In” continues to captivate audiences with its unique prison undercover experiment, one burning question remains: do the participants get paid for their time and troubles? For the show’s volunteers, who put their own well-being at risk to live among the inmates and corrections officers of various prisons across the United States, the answer is not as simple as a straightforward “yes” or “no.”
What’s the Purpose of 60 Days In?
For those who may be unaware, the documentary series follows a group of ordinary citizens as they volunteer to live among the general population of an Indiana prison, attempting to fit in with the inmates while navigating the harsh realities of prison life. The show is designed to study the social dynamics within prisons and shed light on the challenges faced by both prisoners and corrections officers. Each season features a group of participants who agree to live in the prison for 60 days, with the goal of gaining a deeper understanding of life behind bars.
Meet the Volunteers
The show features a diverse cast of participants, each with their unique backgrounds and motivations for joining the experiment. Some are former law enforcement officials, while others are novices with no prior experience in the prison system. Despite their varying reasons for participating, all share a common goal: to observe and learn from the experience.
Compensation for the Participants
So, do they get paid for their troubles? The answer varies depending on the participant and the specific season. For some, participating in the show comes with a sealed envelope containing a stipend to cover living expenses while they are in prison. Others receive a small stipend after completing their time in prison. A&E does provide compensation to the participants, but the amount is often a point of contention.
Confidentiality and Compensation Packages
According to Buzzfeed News, the compensation package for participants typically ranges from $1,000 to $10,000. While some participants reportedly receive a lump sum after the documentary airs, others are paid on a weekly or bi-weekly basis during their time in prison. However, one thing remains clear: participants are required to sign a non-disclosure agreement before filming begins.
The Risks and Rewards of Participating
Raw Commentary, a producer for the documentary, shared in an interview with the Indianapolis Business Journal, “The pay is an interesting aspect of this…I think if you were to name some of the risks, safety is going to be the top. It’s explosive…and there’s no guaranteed amount of money.” For participants, the risks are real and varied, from physical altercations to emotional trauma.
Moreover, participating in the show comes with significant risks, including emotional, physical, and even financial risks. Many participants face financial struggles upon release, making it challenging to effectively prepare for the demands of the experiment. When asked about compensation, participants are often tight-lipped about details due to the strict confidentiality agreements.
Against the Law
Can a documentary increase recidivism rates by isolated prisoners? In response to Kim Kardashian West’s announcement on various twitter to try a different approach, Kelly Staizand wrote in “In some of the institutions there was complained
