North Carolina Correctional Officer State Practice Exam

What describes ethical traits expected from correctional professionals?

1. Integrity and fairness

2. Manipulation and control

3. Authority and dominance

4. Isolation and indifference

The correct answer is: Integrity and fairness

Correctional professionals are expected to embody integrity and fairness as core ethical traits. Integrity involves honesty and the adherence to moral and ethical principles, which is crucial in maintaining trust and accountability within the correctional environment. Fairness ensures that all individuals, regardless of their status, receive equitable treatment, which is vital for fostering a safe and just correctional system. These traits create an atmosphere where inmates can be dealt with lawfully and justly, helping to promote rehabilitation and support the overall objective of corrections, which focuses on the safety and security of both inmates and staff. Furthermore, maintaining integrity and fairness can enhance public confidence in the corrections system, as it upholds the values of justice and human rights. In contrast, manipulation and control, authority and dominance, and isolation and indifference do not align with ethical practices. These approaches can lead to abuse of power, a toxic environment, and a breakdown in the relationship between correctional officers and inmates, ultimately undermining the rehabilitative goals of corrections. Therefore, the emphasis on integrity and fairness is essential for the credibility and effectiveness of correctional professionals.