PHASE TWO JAIL ACADEMY
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2026
Identify the elements that are the basis for a moral perspective on ethics in a
correctional environment. - ANSWERS*Correctional officers want to be considered
professional
*Professionals make ethical decisions
*One unethical act could stay with you for the rest of your career
Describe the "styles" of being a corrections officer that affects the choices and
behaviors of an officer. - ANSWERS*The avoider - Does minimal work to get by, avoids
engaging with inmates if possible, sees certain types of people as not very worthy
*The enforcer - Views people as "good" or "bad" - no in between, deals harshly and
punitively with people because they "deserve it", may want to use force as a first option
instead of trying to resolve issues verbally
*The reciprocator - Conflicted about rules and views inmates as well as staff as equals,
may bargain with inmates for cooperation, may minimize or rationalize inmate's
behavior instead of disciplining them
*The professional - Is comfortable with legitimate use of authority, is firm, yet
compassionate, acts morally and resists unethical behavior, sees inmates as
individuals, but still treats all inmates fairly, takes pride in their work
Identify how professionalism influences ethics. - ANSWERS* A skilled jail officer strives
to reach a high level of proficiency in using various tools of the trade and in making legal
and ethical decisions. Professionals are held to a higher standard and expected to
make ethically sound decisions. County jails are one element in an overall system of
corrections. Other elements include prisons; community corrections, including probation
and parole; and juvenile detention and corrections. People who work in each of these
elements are professional people doing a professional job. As such, they are governed
by professional codes of ethics, just as other professionals (doctors, lawyers, certified
public accountants, etc.) are governed by the codes of ethics of their professions.
Identify key components of the American Jail Association Code of Ethics. -
ANSWERS*Keep the institution secure
*Work with everyone firmly and fairly
*Maintain a positive demeanor
*Report (either by word of mouth or in writing) the things that should be reported and
keep silent the things that should remain confidential
*Manage and supervise inmates in an even-handed and courteous manner
*Refrain from becoming personally involved with inmates or their families
*Treat all visitors with politeness and respect and ensure that they follow rules and
regulations
*Take advantage of all training and educational opportunities
,*Communicate with everyone (inside and outside of the jail) in such as way so as not to
have a negative representation of my department
*Contribute to the jail environment which will keep inmates involved in activities that are
designed to improve inmates' attitude or character
*Support all activities of a (associations and memberships) professional nature that will
elevate the status of those who operate the jails. Do my best by word and deed to
present a positive picture to the community or corrections and law enforcement in
general
Describe the importance of recognizing unethical behavior (slippery slope,
complacency, retired on duty, minimizing); - ANSWERS*If you recognize it in the early
stages, you are more likely to be able to change the path (whether your own path, or
someone else's) It may start out with something "small", but slowly progress to more
serious unethical acts. If you notice it right away, you can stop from going down the
"slippery slope" to making a hugely unethical decision.
Explain the consequences of unethical behavior (stakeholders, career survival, public,
etc.). - ANSWERS*It reduces public confidence that you are able to do your job in an
ethical manner
*County jails are closely tied to other elements of the criminal justice system, such as
law enforcement, prosecutors, defense attorneys, the courts, probation and parole,
prisons, and so on. Such entities may be considered "stakeholders" regarding a jail
operation because they are affected by what happens in the jail. If jail employees
behave unethically, that may reflect poorly on these other elements of the criminal
justice system and may compromise their ability to do their jobs
*Family members (of inmates) may not have confidence in jail staff to be able to
properly care for their loved one
*It undermines the security and control of the jail
*It compromises the relationships between staff and inmates, as well as relationships
between staff
*It has negative consequences in the relationship between supervisors and their
subordinates - potential system breakdown - if supervisors behave unethically, it may
lead officers to act unethically as well because the supervisor shows by their behavior
that it is ok, or if an officer acts unethically, it reduces the confidence of your supervisor
that you can properly and ethically do your job
*It can get you fired - #1 reason officers are fired is for not being truthful
*It can get you into legal trouble - you can be charged for certain unethical acts - may be
criminal charges or civil rights actions against you depending on what your actions
were.
Identify the steps involved in the decision-making process. - ANSWERS*Identify the
problem
*Explore alternative options available
*Select an alternative
*Implement a solution
*Evaluate the results to determine effectiveness
, Describe how to gather and analyze data, when doing so is necessary. -
ANSWERS*Consider everything surrounding the decision. This includes knowing who is
being affected and what consequences exist
Describe the decision-making processes and tools to use in ethical dilemmas. -
ANSWERS*Define the issues - What is the ethical dilemma?
*Who are the interested parties? - person facing the ethical problem, the person(s)
immediately affected, the institution/agency, the community, and society in general
*What are the consequences? - Consider both the positive and negative outcomes
*What is the obligation or duty? - Someone else acting unethically does not give you an
excuse to also act unethically. What SHOULD you do?
*Explain your decision - Relate it back to a code of conduct
Identify basic guidelines for ignition control in a jail. - ANSWERS*Never let inmates
have access to lighters, matches, etc.
*Limit inmate access to electrical sources and regularly check outlets as well as chords
Discuss the most common fuel sources for fires in a jail setting. - ANSWERS*Paper
products (Legal paperwork, books, magazines, toilet paper, etc.)
*Mattress padding
*Excess clothing
*Cleaning supplies
Identify basic guidelines for fuel control in a jail. - ANSWERS*Check cells regularly for
accumulated papers, clothing, anything that can be used to start a fire
*Limit allowable amounts of flammable items the inmates can have in their cells
*Check for damage to mattresses/pillows regularly and replaced if they have been
tampered with or damaged. There should be no rips/tears/missing padding
*Don't allow inmate to have items that come in aerosol cans (Hairsprays, deodorants,
etc.)
Outline the responsibilities of an officer regarding fire detection equipment in a jail. -
ANSWERS*Know where all gear (Fire extinguishers, SCBA's, etc.) are located
*Know how to properly use all equipment
*Know how to check for issues with any equipment
*Know exactly what to do in the event of a fire (notify proper authorities, fire
suppression, search and rescue, evacuation of inmates as well as staff and visitors, and
so on)
Identify the response procedures to a fire alarm in a jail. - ANSWERS*Go by your
facilities policies and procedures - but generally, determine where the alarm came from,
determine if the fire department needs to be contacted, determine if inmates need to be
moved, determine which officer is going to do what in a fire emergency
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2026
Identify the elements that are the basis for a moral perspective on ethics in a
correctional environment. - ANSWERS*Correctional officers want to be considered
professional
*Professionals make ethical decisions
*One unethical act could stay with you for the rest of your career
Describe the "styles" of being a corrections officer that affects the choices and
behaviors of an officer. - ANSWERS*The avoider - Does minimal work to get by, avoids
engaging with inmates if possible, sees certain types of people as not very worthy
*The enforcer - Views people as "good" or "bad" - no in between, deals harshly and
punitively with people because they "deserve it", may want to use force as a first option
instead of trying to resolve issues verbally
*The reciprocator - Conflicted about rules and views inmates as well as staff as equals,
may bargain with inmates for cooperation, may minimize or rationalize inmate's
behavior instead of disciplining them
*The professional - Is comfortable with legitimate use of authority, is firm, yet
compassionate, acts morally and resists unethical behavior, sees inmates as
individuals, but still treats all inmates fairly, takes pride in their work
Identify how professionalism influences ethics. - ANSWERS* A skilled jail officer strives
to reach a high level of proficiency in using various tools of the trade and in making legal
and ethical decisions. Professionals are held to a higher standard and expected to
make ethically sound decisions. County jails are one element in an overall system of
corrections. Other elements include prisons; community corrections, including probation
and parole; and juvenile detention and corrections. People who work in each of these
elements are professional people doing a professional job. As such, they are governed
by professional codes of ethics, just as other professionals (doctors, lawyers, certified
public accountants, etc.) are governed by the codes of ethics of their professions.
Identify key components of the American Jail Association Code of Ethics. -
ANSWERS*Keep the institution secure
*Work with everyone firmly and fairly
*Maintain a positive demeanor
*Report (either by word of mouth or in writing) the things that should be reported and
keep silent the things that should remain confidential
*Manage and supervise inmates in an even-handed and courteous manner
*Refrain from becoming personally involved with inmates or their families
*Treat all visitors with politeness and respect and ensure that they follow rules and
regulations
*Take advantage of all training and educational opportunities
,*Communicate with everyone (inside and outside of the jail) in such as way so as not to
have a negative representation of my department
*Contribute to the jail environment which will keep inmates involved in activities that are
designed to improve inmates' attitude or character
*Support all activities of a (associations and memberships) professional nature that will
elevate the status of those who operate the jails. Do my best by word and deed to
present a positive picture to the community or corrections and law enforcement in
general
Describe the importance of recognizing unethical behavior (slippery slope,
complacency, retired on duty, minimizing); - ANSWERS*If you recognize it in the early
stages, you are more likely to be able to change the path (whether your own path, or
someone else's) It may start out with something "small", but slowly progress to more
serious unethical acts. If you notice it right away, you can stop from going down the
"slippery slope" to making a hugely unethical decision.
Explain the consequences of unethical behavior (stakeholders, career survival, public,
etc.). - ANSWERS*It reduces public confidence that you are able to do your job in an
ethical manner
*County jails are closely tied to other elements of the criminal justice system, such as
law enforcement, prosecutors, defense attorneys, the courts, probation and parole,
prisons, and so on. Such entities may be considered "stakeholders" regarding a jail
operation because they are affected by what happens in the jail. If jail employees
behave unethically, that may reflect poorly on these other elements of the criminal
justice system and may compromise their ability to do their jobs
*Family members (of inmates) may not have confidence in jail staff to be able to
properly care for their loved one
*It undermines the security and control of the jail
*It compromises the relationships between staff and inmates, as well as relationships
between staff
*It has negative consequences in the relationship between supervisors and their
subordinates - potential system breakdown - if supervisors behave unethically, it may
lead officers to act unethically as well because the supervisor shows by their behavior
that it is ok, or if an officer acts unethically, it reduces the confidence of your supervisor
that you can properly and ethically do your job
*It can get you fired - #1 reason officers are fired is for not being truthful
*It can get you into legal trouble - you can be charged for certain unethical acts - may be
criminal charges or civil rights actions against you depending on what your actions
were.
Identify the steps involved in the decision-making process. - ANSWERS*Identify the
problem
*Explore alternative options available
*Select an alternative
*Implement a solution
*Evaluate the results to determine effectiveness
, Describe how to gather and analyze data, when doing so is necessary. -
ANSWERS*Consider everything surrounding the decision. This includes knowing who is
being affected and what consequences exist
Describe the decision-making processes and tools to use in ethical dilemmas. -
ANSWERS*Define the issues - What is the ethical dilemma?
*Who are the interested parties? - person facing the ethical problem, the person(s)
immediately affected, the institution/agency, the community, and society in general
*What are the consequences? - Consider both the positive and negative outcomes
*What is the obligation or duty? - Someone else acting unethically does not give you an
excuse to also act unethically. What SHOULD you do?
*Explain your decision - Relate it back to a code of conduct
Identify basic guidelines for ignition control in a jail. - ANSWERS*Never let inmates
have access to lighters, matches, etc.
*Limit inmate access to electrical sources and regularly check outlets as well as chords
Discuss the most common fuel sources for fires in a jail setting. - ANSWERS*Paper
products (Legal paperwork, books, magazines, toilet paper, etc.)
*Mattress padding
*Excess clothing
*Cleaning supplies
Identify basic guidelines for fuel control in a jail. - ANSWERS*Check cells regularly for
accumulated papers, clothing, anything that can be used to start a fire
*Limit allowable amounts of flammable items the inmates can have in their cells
*Check for damage to mattresses/pillows regularly and replaced if they have been
tampered with or damaged. There should be no rips/tears/missing padding
*Don't allow inmate to have items that come in aerosol cans (Hairsprays, deodorants,
etc.)
Outline the responsibilities of an officer regarding fire detection equipment in a jail. -
ANSWERS*Know where all gear (Fire extinguishers, SCBA's, etc.) are located
*Know how to properly use all equipment
*Know how to check for issues with any equipment
*Know exactly what to do in the event of a fire (notify proper authorities, fire
suppression, search and rescue, evacuation of inmates as well as staff and visitors, and
so on)
Identify the response procedures to a fire alarm in a jail. - ANSWERS*Go by your
facilities policies and procedures - but generally, determine where the alarm came from,
determine if the fire department needs to be contacted, determine if inmates need to be
moved, determine which officer is going to do what in a fire emergency
