Question 1

Which type of correctional officer authority is defined as "authority that is based on establishing functional relationships with the inmates"?

Accepted Answer

B

Question 2

Under Section 10 of the Corrections and Conditional Release Act, what are all correctional officers designated as?

Accepted Answer

Under Section 10 of the Corrections and Conditional Release Act, all correctional officers are designated as peace officers. This designation grants them certain legal powers and responsibilities within the context of their duties in correctional facilities.

Question 3

Which two terms describe the authority of correctional officers in prisons?

Accepted Answer

Legal authority refers to the power that correctional officers have by law to enforce rules and regulations within the prison. Moral authority refers to the power that correctional officers have due to their position of authority and the respect that they have earned from inmates.

Question 4

Which code embraces the unwritten ideals of always assisting another officer who is in real or potential danger, NOT ratting on fellow officers, NOT becoming overly friendly with the inmates, and deferring to the experience of veteran officers?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which code embraces the unwritten ideals of...

Question 5

What is a downside of correctional officers' code of behaviour, which provides a mechanism for coping with the demands of both inmates and the prison administration?

Accepted Answer

The code of silence among correctional officers can be a downside of their code of behavior. It refers to the unwritten rule of not reporting misconduct or violations committed by colleagues, which can hinder accountability and the upholding of ethical standards within the correctional system.

Question 6

Which of the following is the main source of job-related stress for many correctional officers?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following is the main...

Question 7

What type of agenda is exemplified when an inmate misses her children, and a correctional officer provides her with the private family visit request forms and ensures they are submitted to the appropriate staff member for approval?

Accepted Answer

A correctional agenda focuses on rehabilitation and addressing the personal needs of inmates, such as maintaining family connections, which is exemplified by facilitating family visits.

Question 8

A general principle of a correctional officer's view on dealing with prisoners equitably and fairly is "read the book, but don't throw the book." Which of the following best describes this credo?

Accepted Answer

This credo suggests that correctional officers should follow the rules and guidelines (read the book) but also exercise judgment and discretion in how strictly they enforce these rules (but don't throw the book), rather than strictly adhering to the rules in every situation without considering individual circumstances.

Question 9

A correctional officer catches an inmate with a small amount of tobacco but decides NOT to write a formal report about the incident. What type of power has the correctional officer exerted?

Accepted Answer

The correctional officer has exerted exchange power by choosing not to report the inmate in exchange for potential future cooperation or behavior from the inmate. This decision implies a form of negotiation or exchange between the officer and the inmate.

Question 10

In general terms, for what reason are correctional officers permitted to participate in a "use of force" incident?

Accepted Answer

Correctional officers are permitted to participate in a "use of force" incident to carry out their duties, which may include quelling a riotous situation or preventing a potential fight from happening.

Question 11

Which are the most prominent attributes of correctional officers' subculture?

Accepted Answer

The most prominent attributes of correctional officers' subculture include solidarity, peer trust, and a code of silence. These elements foster a strong sense of unity and confidentiality among officers, which is crucial in the challenging and often dangerous environment of correctional facilities.

Question 12

Which term best describes situations where correctional officers may violate institutional regulations by behaving inappropriately with inmates, such as using excessive force or having sexual relations with inmates, or more complex situations, such as being caught between the directive of the institution's senior management and "doing the right thing"?

Accepted Answer

Ethical dilemmas best describe situations where correctional officers face conflicts between following institutional regulations and their personal moral judgment, such as using excessive force or engaging in inappropriate relationships with inmates. These scenarios involve making difficult choices between competing ethical principles.

Question 13

Which group has the greatest fear of victimization?

Accepted Answer

Women correctional officers often report a greater fear of victimization compared to their male counterparts and other staff members due to factors such as perceived physical vulnerability and the nature of their interactions with inmates.

Question 14

What is one of the main safety concerns of correctional officers?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What is one of the main safety...

Question 15

What percentage of provincial corrections officers employed in British Columbia reported having been exposed to blood while at work?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What percentage of provincial corrections officers employed...

Question 16

The training needs and requirements of federal correctional officers have NOT kept pace with the increased knowledge and skills they require. How are most correctional officers now required to learn?

Accepted Answer

Most correctional officers are required to learn on the job, reflecting a shift towards practical, hands-on training that occurs within the work environment itself.

Question 17

What bodily system is responsible for shift workers, including correctional officers, being more prone to poor performance, accidents, and health problems because of feelings similar to jet lag, including fatigue, nausea, irritability, and loss of appetite?

Accepted Answer

The circadian rhythm is responsible for regulating sleep-wake cycles and other physiological functions. Shift work disrupts this natural rhythm, leading to symptoms similar to jet lag, such as fatigue and irritability, which can affect performance and health.

Question 18

Which source of stress is exemplified when a correctional officer experiences sleeping difficulties (e.g., inability to fall asleep, nightmares) after witnessing a riot in which an inmate murdered a correctional officer?

Accepted Answer

The correct answer is B) the impacts of critical incidents because the sleeping difficulties experienced by the correctional officer are directly related to witnessing a traumatic event (a riot and murder), which is categorized as a critical incident. This type of stress is specifically linked to exposure to events that are extremely stressful or traumatic, rather than general work conditions, personal life issues, or training inadequacies.

Question 19

What stress management technique involves a trained intervener conducting an on-scene debriefing of the correctional officer after a critical incident has occurred and "defusing" by a mental health professional or trained peer, during which the symptoms of stress are identified and strategies are provided for stress management?

Accepted Answer

Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD) is a specific technique designed to assist individuals in dealing with the psychological aftermath of a critical incident. It involves a structured group discussion led by a trained facilitator, aimed at reducing stress and accelerating recovery.

Question 20

Which statement best reflects the following attitude? "Prison staff learn to apply a thin layer of machismo because of each incident they respond to. It's like a Band-Aid. But this type of Band-Aid doesn't protect the wound from infection or aid in the healing process. Instead it covers and seals in your emotions and your feelings; otherwise, you're weak, a punk, or a sissy."

Accepted Answer

The statement suggests that adopting a facade of toughness (machismo) acts as a barrier to acknowledging and dealing with one's emotions and feelings, implying it prevents individuals from seeking help or support.

Quiz 7: Working Inside: The Experience of Correctional Officers