Correctional Officer Mock Interview
Practice 40 Correctional Officer interview questions covering security protocols, conflict de-escalation, and ethical judgment.
Question 9 of 40
Tell me about an experience where you successfully used de-escalation techniques to prevent a physical altercation.
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Experienced
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Rachelle Enns is an interview coach and job search expert. She works with candidates to perform their best in employment, medical, and post-secondary admission interviews.
The interviewer would like to know more about your de-escalation techniques and your confidence in implementing them. Give an example of a time you led a de-escalation and explain how it was successful. Keep your answer brief but be sure to display that you are comfortable conducting this type of initiative.
Rachelle Enns is an interview coach and job search expert. She works with candidates to perform their best in employment, medical, and post-secondary admission interviews.
"Last month, I had two inmates who were feuding. It came to a head at dinner one evening when the two groups had a lot of extra tension between them. I heard rumors from other inmates that a fight was to start that evening. I was sure to bring on additional officers, and we kept the inmates busy with conversation and a lot of unexpected movement. It worked, as the fight never happened. We broke their routine, which was enough to shake up their plan."
Rachelle Enns is an interview coach and job search expert. She works with candidates to perform their best in employment, medical, and post-secondary admission interviews.
"Because I am new to this career, I do not have a specific example; however, if I were to experience a potential threat like this, I would be sure to follow the regulations and procedures put in place at this facility. Safety is essential for both the officers and inmates, and order must be kept at all times."
Rachelle Enns is an interview coach and job search expert. She works with candidates to perform their best in employment, medical, and post-secondary admission interviews.
"I have a few techniques when it comes to de-escalating conflict. My current place of employment implemented an eight-step process that I follow - Listen, Acknowledge, Agree, Apologize, Clarification, Choices Consequences, Sequence Questions, and Suggestibility. This is a method that I am well-versed in and able to train as well."
Krista Wenz has been on thousands of interview panels hiring EMS professionals and firefighters for public and private agencies.
Focus on the training and experience that taught you how to de-escalate a situation. If you do not have previous training in de-escalation techniques, describe how you think you would handle the situation if presented.
Krista Wenz has been on thousands of interview panels hiring EMS professionals and firefighters for public and private agencies.
Avoid saying that you respond in a violent or unprofessional manner. The interviewer is looking for a correction officer who has excellent communication and conflict resolution skills.
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Anonymous Answer
I grew up with twin sisters. They would always argue, so I was pretty much their referee. I would break up their fights and take each one off to the side and listen to what their problem was with one another. Then I would find a common ground solution for them both.
Rachelle's Feedback
Your answer is entertaining! It made me laugh, and will likely make the interviewer smile too. Depending on your level of training, you could also mention which de-escalation techniques you have been formally trained in.
"When it comes to de-escalation, I believe the proper steps are to listen, acknowledge, clarify, and discuss choices and consequences with the inmate. Since I am new to my career as a correction officer, my greatest experience in de-escalation comes from growing up around twin sisters. They would always argue, and I was the referee. I would break up their fights, and take each one off to the side and listen, trying to source the core of the problem. Then, I would help them find common ground and resolution. Really, many of the steps I would be taking here in this role."
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