Correctional Ethics Flashcards
7 cards from real California Correctional Officer Exam practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Correctional Ethics flashcards as text
An inmate offers a correctional officer cash to bring in cigarettes. What is the ethical and lawful response?
Answer: Refuse and report the bribery attempt to a supervisor
Accepting any gratuity or contraband request is bribery and must be refused and reported.
A correctional officer witnesses a coworker using excessive force on a compliant inmate. What does the duty to intervene require?
Answer: Step in to stop it and report the incident
Officers have an affirmative duty to intervene and report misconduct they witness.
Which principle best describes treating all inmates fairly regardless of their crime or background?
Answer: Impartiality
Impartiality means applying rules equally without bias toward any inmate.
An officer develops a personal friendship with an inmate and begins doing small favors. This is an example of what?
Answer: Undue familiarity that compromises security
Undue familiarity erodes professional boundaries and creates security and manipulation risks.
Why is maintaining confidentiality of institutional security information ethically important?
Answer: Disclosure could endanger staff, inmates, and facility safety
Leaking security information can compromise safety and aid escapes or attacks.
A correctional officer makes a mistake on a count and is tempted to falsify the log. What is the ethical action?
Answer: Report the error accurately and notify a supervisor
Integrity requires honest, accurate reporting even when it reveals a mistake.
Which of the following best reflects the ethical concept of 'professional distance' with inmates?
Answer: Keeping interactions respectful but firm and rule-based
Professional distance keeps interactions respectful while preserving authority and security.