Correctional Ethics Flashcards
7 cards from real California Correctional Officer Exam practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Correctional Ethics flashcards as text
An officer is pressured by peers to join in mocking an inmate's mental health condition. What is the ethical choice?
Answer: Decline and treat the inmate with professionalism
Ethical officers resist peer pressure and treat vulnerable inmates with professionalism.
Why is it unethical for an officer to use their position for personal financial gain?
Answer: It constitutes abuse of authority and corruption
Using official authority for personal profit is corruption and abuse of power.
An officer is unsure whether a use-of-force incident was justified. What is the most ethical response?
Answer: Document it accurately and report it for review
All use-of-force incidents must be accurately documented and reported for review.
Which behavior best demonstrates accountability in a correctional officer?
Answer: Owning one's actions and accepting responsibility for outcomes
Accountability means taking responsibility for one's own actions and decisions.
An officer learns that contraband is being smuggled by a coworker. What is the ethical obligation?
Answer: Report the activity to appropriate authorities
Smuggling is a serious crime that must be reported regardless of loyalty.
Why must officers avoid making decisions based on an inmate's race, religion, or gender?
Answer: Discrimination violates ethics, law, and the principle of equal treatment
Discriminatory treatment is unethical, unlawful, and violates equal treatment principles.
An off-duty officer is asked about confidential facility procedures at a social gathering. What is the ethical response?
Answer: Decline to discuss confidential security information
Confidential security information must not be disclosed, even off-duty.