ft. myer s, florida. now back to lockup. among the challenges facing officials at kern valley state prison is the growing number of inmates with long-term sentences because typically this population is the most angry and the most violent. the staff knows the importance of keeping these men occupied. there are 1,300 inmates serving life sentences at kern valley. their crimes were often cold-blooded. i m here for aggravated mayhem, attempted murder, kidnapping, and great bodily injury. i m in here for the heat of passion. i caught my wife with somebody and killed her. for some of these inmates, the prospect of spending decades behind bars affects their ability to function. for others, a prison job can give them a sense of purpose. they work in the kitchen preparing and serving the food.