The rules are strict: up at 6, school from 8 until noon, then vocational training all afternoon. Physical exercise or drill three times a day and no television allowed. Such is life for the young offenders at the "boot camp" for juvenile criminals.

THEY ROLL ONTO THE GROUNDS of the County Sheriff's Office Boot Camp in a prisoner transport van. Six juveniles are just moments from realizing that this is going to be the toughest day of their young lives. The van comes to an abrupt stop and within seconds the doors open to the sound of deputies voices.

"Don't look at me, I didn't tell you to look at me!" yells a drill instructor. The next few moments are meant to get their attention. They are quickly taught how to speak. "You say "sir" or "ma'am" at the beginning and end of every sentence! You understand me?" After some prodding, a sheepish, "Sir, yes, sir," escapes the mouth of a tearful boy.

These troubled kids have been ordered to the program by a juvenile court judge as punishment for their crimes.

To provide a balanced approach that changes the criminal beliefs and behavior of the offenders, increases public safety, provides department and offender accountability, and afford opportunity for youth to develop into responsible citizens.

Orientation: for new inmates will begin upon the inmate's arrival at the basic training program. Orientation shall include:
Inmate identification by photograph, name, and DC number;
Initial reception and introduction to the basic training program, will include an explanation of the shock incarceration program and the community residential facilities;
Inventory of inmate personal property;
Explanation of disciplinary procedures.
Haircuts;
Housing assignments;
Issuance of basic training program uniforms and explanation of basic training program dress code and inmate hygiene requirements

Hair:
Basic training program inmates will receive a military style haircut upon arrival in the program. Inmates will subsequently receive haircuts every two weeks for the duration of the program.
Shaving. Basic training program inmates shall be clean shaven. Inmates shall shave every day unless it is determined by the institutional physician that shaving would be detrimental to the inmate's health.
Showers. Basic training program inmates shall shower daily.
Clothing. Basic training program inmates will be issued the required clothing specified for the basic training program. Inmates shall not alter or mark any clothing items issued. No other items of clothing will be permitted.

6am: Rise, clean room, drill.
6.40am: Room inspection.
7.20am: Drill.
8am: Breakfast.
8.30am: Skills training, education.
12.00: Lunch.
13.00. Physical education.
14.15: Skills training, education.
16.45: Personal hygiene.
17.00: Evening meal.
18.00: Drama, art, drugs awareness.
20.00: Group meeting.
20.30 Earned privileges.
21.45. Personal hygiene.
22.00: Lights out.