Ep 4. The Con Game

In this episode of Behind Bars: Rookie Year, titled "The Con Game," viewers are taken inside the walls of the Penitentiary of New Mexico, where rookie corrections officers are faced with an ongoing con game perpetrated by the inmates.

The episode begins with a new recruit, Officer Makita Thomas, learning the ropes of the job. She's quickly thrown into a situation where an inmate is trying to con her by presenting a falsified medical document. Makita's trainer, Officer Ramon Vasquez, is quick to recognize the con and intervenes, demonstrating to Makita the importance of being vigilant and thorough in checking inmate paperwork.

Throughout the episode, viewers are shown how various inmates work to manipulate and deceive the rookie officers. From attempting to smuggle contraband into the prison to playing mind games with the officers, the inmates make it clear that they view the new recruits as easy targets.

One example of this is when a group of inmates band together to try and con Officer Chris Smith. They manufacture a phony altercation in order to distract Smith, and then another inmate tries to sneak drugs past him while he's preoccupied. Despite their efforts, Smith remains focused and manages to catch the inmate attempting to smuggle drugs into the facility.

Meanwhile, Officer Abner Guzman is dealing with a different kind of con game. He's navigating the politics of working in a prison where some of the inmates are members of gangs. One particular inmate, who identifies himself as a high-ranking member of a powerful gang, attempts to manipulate Guzman into giving him special privileges. Guzman knows that he cannot give in to the inmate's demands and must instead maintain his authority in order to keep the prison running smoothly.

Throughout the episode, viewers are also shown the toll that working in a maximum security prison can take on the rookie officers. The stress of the job is evident as they deal with manipulative inmates, regular searches for weapons and contraband, and the constant threat of violence.

Overall, "The Con Game" offers a glimpse into the high-stakes world of corrections work, where rookie officers must be prepared to deal with some of the most cunning and dangerous individuals in society. The episode highlights the importance of remaining vigilant and not letting one's guard down, even for a moment. It's a sobering reminder of the difficulties faced by those who choose to work in this challenging and often thankless field.