What do a car thief, a speed addict and a prostitute have in common? Ten feet of sturdy steel linked chain, walking side by side, doing time. They are part of a 15-woman chain-gang at a controversial American correctional facility.

We meet the real women, of varying ages and backgrounds from the 20-year-old prostitute Faythe, to the 50-year-old mother of four, Mary the armed robber. We also meet the brash and outspoken tough guy behind the programme, Sherriff Joe Arpaio, and his officers.

Some say it is sadistic, others say, “if you can’t do the time, don’t do the crime”. There is certainly no patience for sob stories in this intense programme that pushes the women to their emotional limits. When one has to go to the bathroom, they all go. When one is dragging, they all take the slack.

Their personalities clash and there are tearful visits with families. Ultimately, a bond is forged that is greater than any steel chain, as the women are forced to face the truth about their lives. Will they break the chains and change their ways or are they destined for a life of crime and punishment?