North Carolina Correctional Officer State Practice Exam

To maintain a professional image, correctional officers must avoid showing favoritism to certain inmates. Favoritism can undermine the authority of correctional officers and disrupt the security and order within a correctional facility. It can lead to perceptions of unfair treatment, which can breed resentment and hostility among other inmates and staff, ultimately impacting the functioning of the facility. Favoritism can also pose safety risks, as it might encourage manipulative behaviors among inmates and can lead to conflicts.

In contrast, engaging in team-building activities and maintaining open lines of communication are positive practices that can enhance teamwork and promote a culture of collaboration among staff. Establishing professional relationships with offenders, while adhering to boundaries, can also be part of effective rehabilitation and communication strategies when done ethically and within the guidelines of the correctional facility.