Summary
Highlights
Salazar recounts the take-down incident with an aggressive inmate who became disruptive. Zach reflects on the incident, hoping their actions were justified. He receives support and reassurance from his commanding officer, emphasizing the need to act decisively in dangerous situations.
Cadets endure intense physical and mental training, including being sprayed with OC, to prepare them for real-world scenarios. Montoya, a small statured cadet, struggles initially but shows resilience, determined to develop a tough persona for prison life.
Zach, a rookie correctional officer, discusses his motivation for joining law enforcement, specifically corrections, believing more action happens inside a facility than on the streets. He is paired with veteran Officer Salazar on his first day.
Marcantel introduces the Penitentiary of New Mexico (PNM), highlighting its history, including the 1980 riot, the most violent in US history. The prison houses levels 2, 5, and 6 inmates, with 6 being the 'worst of the worst'. Despite the risks, the prison emphasizes vocational programs to help inmates reintegrate into society, making officers' jobs more dangerous due to increased inmate freedom.
Zach, on his first day, witnesses Officer Salazar's take-down of an aggressive inmate. Zach describes the incident as a rush, where his training kicked in to call for help. A sergeant investigates whether the take-down was warranted, leaving Zach to question if he did the right thing.
Montoya shares her journey to the Corrections Academy, seeking a stable career. Instructor Aaron emphasizes the academy's role as a filtration system, preparing cadets for the harsh realities of prison. He warns that half will not make it through the year and daily life-and-death situations will force them to question if the job is 'worth it'.
Inmates express their views on rookie correctional officers, often seeing them as overly eager or disrespectful. They highlight that rookies who don't get along with inmates don't last. The power dynamic is clear: 'this is our house', referring to the inmates' perspective.
Carlos, a rookie CO working alone, describes the overwhelming task of managing 48 inmates. He admits to fear but emphasizes the need to appear confident. Inmates explain the significance of 'fighting words' like 'bitch' within the prison, where honor must be defended, potentially leading to violence.
Aaron details the three facilities at PNM: Level 6 for the most dangerous inmates, Level 5 for gang members, and Level 2, where inmates go before release. He notes Level 2's added freedoms make it a dangerous assignment for officers.
Tyler, a 19-year-old CO, shares his difficult childhood and how it motivates him to help inmates, seeing a reflection of himself. He works in the kitchen, a dangerous post where inmates have access to potential weapons like knives and flame. He also struggles to earn respect as a rookie and a young officer.
Tyler discovers a shiv, a sharp piece of metal, in the kitchen. He explains the constant threat of contraband, the need for vigilance, and the stress of the job, questioning daily if it's worth risking his life.
Carlos describes his gruelling 12-16 hour shifts and the constant confrontations with inmates, particularly with 'troublemaker' Neal. He finds a cigarette butt outside a window, knowing smoking is illegal and can lead to serious conflicts among inmates, including stabbings.
Carlos searches Neal's bunk for contraband, recalling academy advice to 'think like an inmate'. Despite not finding anything, Neal taunts him, suggesting he has items hidden in places Carlos can't legally search, like an anal cavity.
Officer Keith works in Level 6, housing the most dangerous inmates. He seeks to understand their criminal minds. Inmate Jonathan Martinez states his view that most COs are 'pieces of shit' and that rookies who try to be 'supercops' won't last, only those who do their job and go home.
Cadets undergo OC spray training, a painful but essential part of their preparation. Montoya, despite her initial apprehension, performs well, proving she has the resilience needed for the job.
Zach, on his second day, stresses the importance of not taking things personally. Instructor Aaron advises Zach to trust his partners and the system, reinforcing that split-second decisions are crucial for survival, turning a potential weapon situation into a less lethal scenario. The job requires leadership and quick thinking.
Carlos finds evidence of smoking, stirring up inmates. Neal continues to taunt Carlos about not finding contraband, confirming inmates hide items in unsanctioned places. Carlos admits the job makes him question his path, but his commitment remains.
Carlos is fed up with Neal's taunting and smoking. He confides in Lieutenant Ray, who advises him on procedure and to be firm. Lieutenant Ray confronts Neal, who becomes verbally aggressive, cursing at officers and falsely accusing them of harassment. The scene escalates, but Neal eventually complies after being instructed to sit down.
Marcantel highlights the dedication of correctional officers as the future of public safety, running towards danger and believing in those others don't. Officers, like Montoya, Zach, Tyler, and Carlos, reflect on the immense sacrifices and daily risks of their profession, constantly asking themselves if it is 'worth it'.
Inmates taunt rookie officers, seeing them as inexperienced, while officers face the constant threat of violence, both from inmates and potential dirty officers compromising security. Marcantel debunks the misconception of COs as 'simple guards,' emphasizing their crucial role while Aaron warns that 'history always repeats itself', alluding to ongoing dangers.