Newjack
Newjack: Guarding Sing Sing is a nonfiction book by journalist and professor Ted Conover published in 2000 by Vintage Books.<ref name = "Newjack"> Conover, Ted. Newjack: Guarding Sing Sing". 2000. Vintage Books, NY.</ref> In the book, Conover recounts his experience of learning firsthand about the New York State prison system by becoming a correctional officer for nearly a year. Conover sought the job of correctional officer after the New York State Department of Correctional Services denied his request to shadow the department's employees in a journalist role. The main title of the book, Newjack, refers to the nickname given to newly hired and inexperienced correctional officers. Throughout the book Conover divulges the inner workings of the New York State correctional system by recounting his experiences of working in nearly every type of custody post in the prison, from solitary confinement and mental health units to visiting rooms and prisoner transport vehicles. The book begins with his seven-week experience in the department's paramilitary training academy, where the department communicates its values and priorities to new recruits. Conover and other recruits learn that in addition to passing the academic portion of the academy, they must also experience real and direct exposure to