Behind Bars: Rookie Year

The minute a rookie corrections officer steps onto the tier for the first time, he or she becomes a target to some of the most hardened career criminals.

The minute a rookie corrections officer steps onto the tier for the first time, he or she becomes a target to some of the most hardened career criminals.

Gangs are the number one threat to maintaining order at PNM. Members are organized, loyal and often violent.

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.

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.

With a few months on the line under their belts, the rookies are beginning to understand the harsh realities of their new careers.

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.