select a squad member:

Inmates describe Nicky Jordan as “the most hated man in the Tennessee prison system.” Or “Tricky Nicky.” Or worse.

“A reputation is a tricky thing to manage,” Nicky says. “You have to meet force with force.”

Nicky has a legendary passion for his job. He has put more criminals in maximum security than any other correctional officer. A microwave-sized box full of confiscated shanks is positioned on his desk like a trophy.

Nicky is also tremendously proud of his son, a soldier who has recently served in Iraq. He has a dark sense of humor, even about the death threats he’s been sent by inmates.