What role do runners play in an inmate manipulation team?

In the context of an inmate manipulation team, runners serve an important function in the communication dynamics between inmates and potentially untrained or unaware correctional officer staff. Their role often revolves around building a rapport with the officers, as they may request small items that appear harmless or innocuous. This act of requesting small items serves two primary purposes: it creates a sense of trust and familiarity with the officers and provides the inmates a sense of control and connectivity within the facility.

By developing a rapport through these small exchanges, runners can facilitate larger manipulative tactics within the inmate population. This seemingly harmless interaction can lead to a more extensive manipulation of the officers, as inmates may use the established trust to further their goals, whether through gaining access to contraband or orchestrating distractions for other inmates.

The effectiveness of runners lies in their subtlety and the ease with which they can go unnoticed, making this role crucial in a manipulation team strategy. Understanding this aspect is vital for correctional officers, as it highlights the potential risks of what may seem like harmless interactions in a correctional environment. Recognizing the role of runners can help officers remain vigilant and aware of the broader manipulation tactics employed by inmates.