Washington State Correctional Officer Practice Exam

What constitutes a breach of confidentiality for correctional officers?

1. Recording daily activities

2. Sharing sensitive inmate information without authorization

3. Monitoring inmate communications

4. Documenting incident reports

The correct answer is: Sharing sensitive inmate information without authorization

Sharing sensitive inmate information without authorization is a clear breach of confidentiality for correctional officers. Confidentiality is critical in correctional settings, as it protects the privacy of inmates and the integrity of the correctional facility. When officers disclose sensitive information, they not only violate trust but also potentially compromise the safety and security of the facility, inmates, and staff. This responsibility includes respecting legal regulations and institutional policies that govern the handling of inmate information. In contrast, the other options involve standard practices within correctional facilities. Recording daily activities and documenting incident reports are essential for maintaining an accurate record of facility operations and ensuring accountability. Monitoring inmate communications is typically conducted under the jurisdiction's legal framework and serves security purposes rather than violating confidentiality. Hence, only the act of sharing sensitive information without proper authorization stands as a clear breach of confidentiality.