Behind Bars: Rookie Year

The Con Game

60 min

Inmates are called convicts for good reason. Once inside, they have nothing but time to conjure up ingenious ways to hide contraband and manipulate COs. Mangin gets conned by a career criminal and Andrew helps STIU bust a drug dealing gang member. Ariel deals with the challenges of being a female CO.

The Riot

60 min

Violence is a way of life in prison and the threat of it keeps both COs and inmates on constant alert. Zach investigates a fight while Keith deals with unstable and violent inmates. Ariel is a "rover" wrestling with the uncertainty that comes with the job. And PNM's tragic past, which includes the bloodiest prison riot in American history, acts as both a haunting reminder and a catalyst for change.

The Drug Trade

60 min

Most of PNM's inmates are serving long-term sentences for violent crimes, and for many it's drugs that help them get through the time. Despite efforts to keep the prison clean, narcotics always find their way into this otherwise closed world. Francisco suspects an inmate is high while Andrew takes inmates on a high-risk work detail outside of the prison. And new CO Bruce struggles under the weight of high expectations.

Sink or Swim

60 min

With a few months on the line under their belts, the rookies are beginning to understand the harsh realities of their new careers. Keith is at a crossroads while Andrew tries to find the balance needed to be an effective officer. The training wheels come off as Ariel is tested during an emergency.

Breaking Point

60 min

An inmate walks off a work detail; Ariel is assigned to PNM's worst inmates; Keith decides it's time for a change; Andrew and Mangin form a partnership; a former CO tries to get his job back.