NCJ Number
140424
Journal
Corrections Today Volume: 54 Issue: 8 Dated: (December 1992) Pages: 138,140,142,173
Date Published
1992
Length
4 pages
Annotation
Recognizing that inmates usually try to manipulate correctional officers, this article discusses prison culture, techniques inmates use to fool staff, and ways correctional officers can prevent manipulation.
Abstract
Many inmates have been in prison before and are experienced at surviving while incarcerated. They tend to undergo prisonization, the process whereby inmates adapt to and learn the customs, rules, and culture of other inmates and the institution's regulations. While adapting, inmates learn that deception or manipulation is important for survival. If this manipulative behavior is combined with typical inmate behavior, such as impatience, irresponsibility, and a lack of values, the result is an immature person who survives by using others. To prevent manipulation, correctional officers must remember they are always possible targets for setups. Correctional officers must be educated about inmates, be professional, be firm and in control, and communicate with other staff and inmates. Methods used by inmates to manipulate correctional officers are described. 9 references