Basic Corrections Officer: Certification Study Guide

Which inmate role is associated with assisting in criminal activities while also trying to gain trust from staff?

1. Turner

2. Point-Man

3. Observer

4. Inmate Runner

The correct answer is: Turner

The role associated with assisting in criminal activities while also trying to gain trust from staff is typically identified as the Turner. This type of inmate may engage in manipulative behaviors, leveraging relationships with prison staff to further their own agenda, which often involves facilitating illicit activities within the facility. By gaining the trust and confidence of the staff, a Turner can operate with a degree of freedom that may help them carry out these activities without immediate suspicion. This role is distinctly characterized by a dual focus: on one hand, they may engage in criminal enterprises such as smuggling contraband or coordinating escapes, while on the other hand, they actively seek out ways to appear compliant and trustworthy to the correctional officers. This duality makes them particularly challenging to manage and can lead to significant security and operational issues within a correctional environment. Understanding this inmate role is crucial for correctional officers to identify potential threats and to maintain the integrity of the facility.