How to Answer: What would you do if an officer next to you was engaged in a physical fight with an inmate?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Correctional Officer job interview.
40. What would you do if an officer next to you was engaged in a physical fight with an inmate?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer would like to know that you understand what to do when you see an officer engaged in a physical altercation. Refer to your training manual and corporate policies, and recite those if possible. If you have experienced this situation as a correction officer, describe what you did and the outcome.
Written by Krista Wenz on February 10th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
If you know the correctional facility's policy regarding physical altercations with inmates, focus your answer on following their policy. If you respond in a manner that aligns with the correctional facility, it will make you stand out more favorably as a candidate.
Written by Krista Wenz on February 10th, 2022
What to Avoid
Avoid saying that you would ignore the situation and walk away or use excessive force on the inmate. If you ignore the problem, it shows the interviewer that you are unreliable and not a team player. If you use excessive force on the inmate, the interviewer will determine that you might have a temper and could be a liability if hired.
Written by Krista Wenz on February 10th, 2022
Entry Level Example
"I have never been in a situation like this; however, I feel that the best thing to do would be to call for assistance and attempt to hold the inmate back. What would you suggest in a situation like this?"
Written by Krista Wenz on February 10th, 2022
Answer Example
"According to my current employment policy, in the event of a physical altercation between an inmate and another officer, I am trained to call code black, ensure all inmates are out of harm's way, and then assist."
Written by Krista Wenz on February 10th, 2022
Experienced Example
"According to my training, when I observe that an inmate is engaged in a physical altercation with an officer, I'm supposed to [actions and procedures] to ensure [an outcome, e.g., the inmate is under control] while maintaining [conditions, e.g., officer and inmate safety]."
Written by Rachelle Enns
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