What should Correctional Officers prioritize while working within a facility?

Correctional Officers should prioritize the safety and security of the facility because these aspects are fundamental to maintaining order and preventing disturbances. By ensuring a safe environment, officers can effectively manage inmate behavior, reduce the potential for violence, and protect the well-being of both staff and inmates. Ensuring security also involves adhering to protocols that prevent contraband, manage inmates in a way that minimizes risks, and respond to emergencies as they arise.

The concept of safety and security encompasses various duties, including monitoring behavior, maintaining control of inmate populations, and implementing emergency response strategies. This focus is essential not only for the protection of individuals within the facility but also for the integrity of the correctional system as a whole.

Prioritizing options such as enforcing inmate friendships, establishing personal connections with inmates, or promoting entertainment for inmates could lead to compromises in security. While these elements may have their place in fostering rehabilitative environments, they should not take precedence over safety and security, which are the foundational responsibilities of Correctional Officers.