Basic Corrections Officer: Certification Study Guide

Which of the following is an indicator of gang activity that officers should look for during inspections?

1. Video Games

2. Signs of Fighting

3. Mild Conversations

4. Lonely Inmates

The correct answer is: Signs of Fighting

Signs of fighting are a significant indicator of gang activity that officers should monitor during inspections. Gangs often resort to violence to assert control, resolve disputes, or demonstrate their power within a facility. Physical altercations can be a direct manifestation of gang conflicts or rivalries, and observing such behavior can alert officers to underlying gang tensions or activities. In contrast, while video games might be a common pastime for inmates, they do not inherently indicate gang activity. Mild conversations may suggest normal social interaction among inmates, and lonely inmates could point to isolation due to various reasons unrelated to gang affiliations. Therefore, signs of fighting stand out as a more direct and telling symptom of potential gang involvement or influence within an institution.