Washington State Correctional Officer Practice Exam

What does the term "inmate code" refer to?

1. Written laws governing prison conduct

2. Unwritten rules and behavior standards among inmates

3. The schedule of inmate activities

4. A list of approved inmate communications

The correct answer is: Unwritten rules and behavior standards among inmates

The term "inmate code" refers to the unwritten rules and behavior standards that develop among inmates within a correctional facility. This code dictates how inmates interact with one another, what behaviors are acceptable or unacceptable, and how they should conduct themselves to maintain a certain status or reputation within the inmate community. Adherence to this code can be crucial for an inmate's safety and social standing, as it often governs loyalty, respect, and the way disputes are handled among inmates. The other options do not accurately encapsulate the meaning of "inmate code." Written laws governing prison conduct are formal regulations established by the correctional facility, while the schedule of inmate activities is a logistical arrangement rather than a set of behavioral norms. Similarly, a list of approved inmate communications implies a formal, structured means of correspondence which does not reflect the informal nature of the inmate code.