If you saw another correctional officer doing something inappropriate, how would you handle the situation?
How you answer this question will reveal a lot about your moral character and leadership skills to the interviewer. Discuss how you would handle a situation like this. If this has happened to you in the past, you can use a real-life example.
"Last month, I witnessed a colleague purposefully engage in an altercation with an inmate. I spoke with the individual off-hours about what I saw. We agreed that it was inappropriate, and the colleague shared with me that she was going through a tough transition in her personal life. We agreed to keep each other accountable for our behavior in the workplace. I believe that everyone wants to be great at their job, so usually, an open conversation is all that is needed. If the situation were illegal or dire, I would report it immediately."
"As a correction officer, it is in my best interest to keep my team safe. This includes ensuring that we all act appropriately and according to policy at all times. If I saw another officer doing something inappropriate, I would report it to my superior."
"Through my many years in corrections, I have found that we all make mistakes. We work in a high-stress environment where emotions can run high. If I witness an officer make a mistake, I will approach them personally. I'll let them know that I witnessed the behavior and ask if they felt it was appropriate. I will then offer to lend a hand if they feel like they have lost control of a situation. We must present a united front at all times."
The interviewer wants insight into your conflict resolution and communication skills. They want to see that you take action and talk to your coworker, but you will also report the inappropriate behavior if it is warranted, such as an illegal activity. Focus your answer on the resolution rather than the problem.
Avoid saying that you would overlook the inappropriate behavior and walk away. If you are not willing to call out a fellow officer for their behavior, the interviewer will determine that you may not be an ideal correction officer for their 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
I would go over to them and communicate the matter. I would try to see where their head was at and let them explain themselves to me. I would then tell them to please not do it again, or if I saw it another time that I would get a superior involved.
Rachelle's Feedback
Solid response. I have reworded it slightly.
"Appropriate behavior is directly related to the safety of the team so, if I saw a correctional officer acting inappropriately, I would approach them one-on-one. If the situation continued, I would report their actions to a superior."
Anonymous Answer
I would tell them that I would have to inform a supervisor if the conduct continued. If it's a situation where I felt it was best to go straight to a supervisor, then I would do so.
Rachelle's Feedback
Good! Your answer is straightforward and shows diligence.
Anonymous Answer
I would address the concern to the individual in a sensible manner and listen to their reasoning with no judgement and show curiosity and consideration for the perspective of the officer. After talking to the officer, I would write a report on it to my supervisor.
Rachelle's Feedback
Excellent approach! Your answer shows that you support your co-workers while also ensuring that the right action is taken.
Anonymous Answer
I would take that officer aside and privately let them know that I thought their actions were inappropriate. I would avoid calling them out in front of other peers or inmates.
Rachelle's Feedback
Good! Your approach is very professional and considerate. It's great that you would address the issue in a way that helped the other person maintain their dignity. If you have encountered an issue like this before, this question presents an opportunity to tell a brief story.
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