Florida BRT Corrections - Officer Safety Practice Exam

Which term refers to the tactic used by inmates whereby they try to gain illegal favors from correctional officers?

1. Coercion

2. Influence

3. Manipulation

4. Intimidation

The correct answer is: Manipulation

The term that best describes the tactic used by inmates to gain illegal favors from correctional officers is manipulation. This involves strategic efforts by inmates to influence officers' actions through deceptive tactics or emotional appeals, often exploiting the relationship dynamics inherent in the correctional environment. Manipulation can manifest in various ways, such as acting submissive, feigning illness, or forming personal connections that may lead to compromising situations for officers. This behavior is particularly concerning as it poses a risk to the integrity of the correctional facility and can undermine the authority of the officers. Understanding this tactic is essential for maintaining safety and order within the institution, as it encourages officers to remain vigilant against these strategies. In contrast, coercion typically implies the use of threats or force, intimidation relates to inducing fear to achieve compliance, and influence involves a more general ability to sway someone’s judgment or actions without the deceitful intent evident in manipulation. Each of these terms represents different dynamics, but manipulation more closely aligns with the subtle and often cunning ways inmates seek favors from correctional officers.