Have you ever faced a company policy you disagreed with but had to enforce anyway?
The interviewer would like to know if you have difficulty acting on orders you disagree with. Each prison has varying policies, and you may not agree with all of them. Explain to the interviewer how you feel about this type of situation and how you have handled it in the past. Avoid coming across as a disagreeable employee. Focus on the positive!
"Yes, I have faced policy that I do not agree with. I realize that I do not have to agree with a policy to enforce it. Policies are in place for a reason, and I will abide by them, despite my feelings or understanding of them."
"I have worked for companies in the past where I did not agree with the policies at all times. I chose to trust that my boss understood the long-term goals better than I did at that time. I plan to bring this attitude with me in my career as a correction officer. I am new to the industry and do not have all of the answers."
"I've come to understand that the policies aren't my decision and that as a CO, my job is to enforce whatever policies are in place. If I disagree with policies that endanger officer safety, I tell my commanding officer about them. But at the end of the day, there are people higher up the chain of command who have more information than I do and a broader view. I have to trust that they're making the best decisions they can given the constraints they have. No matter what I think, it's my sworn duty to uphold and enforce the laws and regulations that we have on the books."
Focus on your willingness to enforce all of the facility's policies, even when you don't agree with them. Explain that you understand why those policies are in place. You will stand out as an ideal candidate if you show the interviewer that you are an agreeable person and will follow orders.
Avoid saying that you break company policy if you disagree with it. If you do not follow the policies and procedures of the job, the interviewer will decide that you may be a problematic employee who can cause liability to the organization.
Community answers are written by other candidates practicing this set. Reading how others frame the same question is one of the fastest ways to sharpen your own.
Anonymous Answer
No, I have not encountered such a situation, but if I disagreed with a policy, I would enforce it and stand behind it. It is there for a reason, and I can't let my opinion change that.
Rachelle's Feedback
Good response!
"If I disagreed with a policy, I would stand behind it and enforce it, regardless. A policy is there for a reason, and I cannot let my own opinions get in the way."
Anonymous Answer
Yes, but it's not a part of my job to agree or disagree with established policies. If there are rules in place, they're there for a reason, and it's my job to ensure they're followed.
Rachelle's Feedback
It seems you are very straightforward when it comes to your approach with policy and chain of command. If you are able, try to offer a short example of a time when you faced a policy you disagreed with. Can you walk the interviewer through the experience? I have provided an example, below.
"Yes, I have faced a policy that I disagreed with. As (job title) with (company name), I was faced with (a brief overview of the situation and what you did). I believe that rules are in place for a reason, and it's my job to ensure they're followed."
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