Well I work as a corrections officer if that counts.

Jail culture is wildly different depending on what geographic region you are in. Some places might have rules that will get you banged out and vice versa.

Generally speaking, shower every day, don't touch other peoples shit, don't owe anyone money, don't let people do you favors (this can be tricky though because some inmates are just generally looking out for you) just try not to owe anyone anything really.

Depending on the jail (I've worked at one where it didn't matter and one where it did) you don't talk to guards unless you're the heavy on the range. People will think you are a rat and since its your first time they will probably double down on that belief. Don't give out personal details about your life.

Also realize that everything in Jail has two meetings. It is a giant game of sizing each other up through ostensibly generic interactions. I swear to God its like Game of Thrones sometimes.

As far as dealing with Guards, every Guard is different we all have different personalities. Some guards are legitimate pieces of shit and make my life more difficult ill be the first to say it. But realize that 99% of the time when you think a guard is punking you off, they aren't. There is a shit load of stuff that goes on behind the scenes that we can't tell you.

Also don't stab us.