Basic Corrections Officer: Certification Study Guide

What aspects are involved in 'The Lever' in a con-game scenario?

1. Collaboration and trust

2. Creation and change in staff behavior

3. Communication and negotiation

4. Threats and intimidation

The correct answer is: Creation and change in staff behavior

In the context of a con-game scenario, 'The Lever' refers to manipulation techniques that exploit relationships and behaviors to achieve desired outcomes. By focusing on "Creation and change in staff behavior," it highlights how con artists often craft situations that alter the perceptions and actions of individuals involved, particularly those in positions of authority or control. This aspect is crucial because a successful con-game relies on the ability to develop trust, increase compliance, or shift the behavior of targets, especially if those targets are staff members who possess the ability to influence others' decisions. By creating scenarios that lure staff into believing they need to act in a specific way, the con artists can achieve their goals, whether that be acquiring information, resources, or leveraging power. In con-game dynamics, it is less about overt threats or intimidation, focusing instead on more subtle forms of influence that lead to changes in behavior. Understanding this aspect is essential for corrections officers to recognize potential manipulation and safeguard against it.