Basic Corrections Officer: Certification Study Guide

Which term refers to an inmate who acts as a mule for another inmate or group?

1. Observer

2. Point-Man

3. Inmate Runner

4. Turner

The correct answer is: Inmate Runner

The term that best describes an inmate who acts as a mule for another inmate or group is the term often used in correctional settings to reference individuals who transport or deliver contraband, messages, or other items on behalf of others. This role is typically defined by the individual's willingness to take risks for others, often associated with gangs or organized groups within the facility. In the context of corrections, the term "inmate runner" signifies someone who is often engaged in secretive or illicit activities, facilitating the exchange or transport of goods or information that may be prohibited within the facility. This designation highlights the active role these individuals play in the dynamics of prison populations, where close-knit alliances and the need for clandestine communication frequently occur.