Ep 2. First Timers

In 60 Days In season 1 episode 2 titled "First Timers," six new participants are introduced to the program and begin their journey of going undercover in the Clark County Jail in Indiana. Each participant has their own reasons for joining the program, ranging from gaining insight into the criminal justice system to giving back to their community, but all of them will face the same challenges of adapting to life as an inmate and maintaining their cover.

The episode starts with the new participants arriving at the jail and getting briefed about the rules and regulations they have to follow as inmates. They are warned about the dangers of being caught by other inmates or jail staff, which could put their safety and the safety of others at risk. The participants are advised to blend in with the inmate population as much as possible to avoid suspicion. This means they have to dress and behave like the other inmates, eat the same food, and participate in the same activities.

As they enter the jail, the participants are instantly confronted with the reality of life behind bars. The air is thick with the smell of sweat and body odor, and the noise of inmates shouting and banging on the bars is constant. The participants are introduced to their cellmates, who are suspicious of their new companions. The participants have to quickly try to earn their trust while playing along with the inmates' expectations. They have to figure out how to navigate the strict hierarchy of the jail and avoid getting into trouble with the more dangerous inmates.

The main challenge for the participants is to find a way to gather information about the illegal activities that take place in the jail without raising suspicion. They are all given different missions by the producers of the show, such as gathering information about drug dealers, gangs or corrupt jail staff. The participants have to be extremely cautious in their approach as any mistake could expose them and put not only themselves in danger, but also other inmates and jail staff.

As the days pass, the participants begin to experience the mental and physical toll of being incarcerated. They have to deal with the boredom of being confined to their cell for hours on end, the lack of privacy, and the pressure of trying to maintain their cover. Some of them experience emotional breakdowns, while others start to bond with their fellow inmates and form unlikely friendships.

In "First Timers," viewers get a deeper insight into the harsh reality of life inside a jail. The show's participants are brave individuals who put themselves at risk to gain a better understanding of the criminal justice system. Each episode of 60 Days In provides an unprecedented view of what goes on behind closed doors in a jail and highlights the issues that need to be addressed to improve the system.