How would you handle an inmate who constantly yelled at you and said extremely derogatory things to you?

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The interviewer will learn a lot about your character and workplace personality when you answer this question. As a correction officer, you will encounter inmates who will say anything to get a reaction out of you. Assure the interviewer that you can keep a level head and act professionally in any situation.

It is important that the interviewer understands that you can ignore insults and remain professional. Focus on the fact that you do not take insults or derogatory remarks personally and that you have thick enough skin to work as a correction officer.

Avoid saying that you engage the inmate or respond with derogatory remarks back to them. When you react in that manner, it shows the interviewer that you may be a loose cannon and cause problems within the prison.

"If an inmate said something extreme to me, I would ignore it. As a corrections officer, I know that my reaction will fuel the fire, and nobody will get anywhere. I try to remain professional and poised in all situations."

"I am accustomed to this type of behavior after working as a correction officer for eight years. When I first began this career, it did bother me, and I would take things personally, but now I let it slide. If disciplinary action needs to be taken, I will follow those protocols; however, I know better than to show any emotional reaction in a situation like that."

"I have had many insults thrown my way in my career and can say that I prefer to choose kindness over an angry reaction. If someone says something rude to me personally, I can let it slide. I will remind them that my job is to protect others from their poor decisions. Keeping a level head is always the better answer, in my opinion."

Anonymous Answer

"Brush it off and don't take it to heart. This is something you have to get used to in this type of environment. There are inmates who will do and say things just to get a reaction. Remain consistent, firm, and fair at all times."

Rachelle's Feedback

You have some fantastic points! Be aware of using 'I' language instead of 'You' language. In an interviewer, 'You' statements can sound very removed, impersonal, and as though you are trying to give the interviewer a lesson :) I have made a re-phrase suggestion below.

"If an inmate yelled at me or said derogatory things to me, I would brush it off. I don't take situations like that to heart. It is important that I would consider my environment and adapt, mentally. I am a consistent person and remain calm and fair in all situations."

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Anonymous Answer

"I would try to find out what causes him to yell at me and find out what's bugging him and try to talk to him."

Rachelle's Feedback

This is a good approach. You could also try bringing in some factors from inmate psychology if you have any training or have done any reading on this.

"I understand that inmates require a balance of physiological, social, and emotional needs which are often not met when incarcerated. If an inmate were aggressive with me, I would try to find out the basis of their behavior and talk it out."

Anonymous Answer

"I would ignore the inmate. If you engage in acknowledging what they're saying it will only fuel them to keep on doing it."

Rachelle's Feedback

Your response is concise and to the point. It's great that you show a level head, unwilling to engage in unnecessary altercations.

Anonymous Answer

"I wouldn't pay mind to it, what I've learned in my experience in health care and public service jobs, you see people at their worst most of the time and that's what your getting reciprocated at you. My job is to always stay professional and level-headed so that no one gets hurt including myself."

Rachelle's Feedback

Well said. This is a great answer.

Anonymous Answer

"It depends on what kind of language the inmate is yelling at me. If it is racist language, there must be some consequences or disciplinary action due to the expected respect we have for each other. Respect is a thing I always do to offer kindness and politeness to the people I provide the service too. If it is a bad language like profanity, cussing, I will let it pass; I do not have to take it personally. Sometimes, people cuss to express their feeling when they are angry or hurt to release stress. If it is natural speech, it must be reduced "” education moment."

Rachelle's Feedback

An opportunity to educate, indeed! You show a great deal of restraint in this question and a lot of professionalism. Well said!

How to Answer: How would you handle an inmate who constantly yelled at you and said extremely derogatory things to you?