Ep 2. Respect

In Behind Bars: Rookie Year season 1 episode 2, titled "Respect," viewers follow a group of rookie correctional officers through their second week on the job at the Penitentiary of New Mexico. This episode focuses on the importance of respect within the prison walls and the challenges that arise when it is not given or received.

One of the main storylines of the episode involves rookie officer Abner trying to earn the respect of the inmates in his unit. He struggles to maintain control and authority over them, especially when they challenge his decisions or refuse to follow his orders. Abner realizes that he needs to be more assertive and commanding if he wants to gain their respect and maintain order in the unit.

Another storyline follows rookie officer Maryum as she deals with a difficult inmate who refuses to follow the rules. Maryum tries to reason with him and find a way to get him to comply, but he continues to push back and cause problems. She eventually realizes that he is suffering from mental health issues and works with the mental health team to get him the help he needs.

Throughout the episode, viewers also get a glimpse into the personal lives of some of the rookie officers. Officer Tate discusses her emotional struggles with the job and the toll it takes on her mental health. Officer Del Re also opens up about his past experiences with addiction and how it motivates him to make a positive impact on the inmates he encounters.

As the episode progresses, tensions rise within the prison walls as a group of inmates stage a protest over their living conditions. The rookies are tasked with keeping the peace and preventing the situation from escalating into a full-blown riot. It's a tense moment that highlights the importance of communication, teamwork, and respect in volatile situations like this.

By the end of the episode, many of the rookies have learned valuable lessons about the importance of respecting both the inmates they supervise and their fellow officers. They've also gained a deeper appreciation for the challenges and complexities of working in a correctional facility.

Overall, "Respect" is a riveting and insightful episode that delves deep into the world of rookie correctional officers and the challenges they face on a daily basis. Viewers are sure to be on the edge of their seats as they watch the rookies navigate the tricky waters of prison life and work to earn the respect of both their colleagues and the inmates in their care.