Basic Corrections Officer: Certification Study Guide

In the context of the We/They Syndrome, what is the primary aim?

1. To unite staff and inmates

2. To separate victims from staff

3. To create a productive environment

4. To maintain a balanced authority

The correct answer is: To separate victims from staff

The We/They Syndrome refers to the division that can arise between correctional staff and inmates, where staff view themselves as part of the "We" group and inmates as the "They" group. The primary aim in addressing this syndrome is often to emphasize and reinforce boundaries, which can result in separating inmates from staff in terms of identity and perception. This division can lead to an environment where staff may perceive inmates with suspicion and as inherently different or adversarial, which complicates interpersonal dynamics and communication. By focusing on this separation, it recognizes the potential for conflict and misunderstanding, creating an environment where staff see themselves primarily as protectors or enforcers rather than facilitators of rehabilitation or rapport. This method underscores the challenges faced in corrections where the balancing act of maintaining control and providing care is crucial. Uniting staff and inmates, fostering a productive environment, or maintaining a balanced authority are important goals in corrections, but they become more complex in the context of the We/They Syndrome. Therefore, while those options reflect desirable aims, the question centers on how the syndrome itself operates, with the separation being a significant characteristic that must be acknowledged and understood.