Chapter 3 Lesson 3: Manipulation and Deception PDF

Lesson 3 Manipulation and Deception Lesson Goal You will be able to recognize manipulation and deception and avoid their influence. Think About This “How is your son feeling today? I know he was sick yesterday,” an inmate asks an officer. It seems harmless enough, and the inmate seems thoughtfu...

Lesson 3 Manipulation and Deception Lesson Goal You will be able to recognize manipulation and deception and avoid their influence. Think About This “How is your son feeling today? I know he was sick yesterday,” an inmate asks an officer. It seems harmless enough, and the inmate seems thoughtful and concerned about the officer and their fam- ily. However, is that really the case? Many inmates and visitors are experts in manipulation and deception. There will be severe conse- quences, such as loss of certification, demotion, dismissal, or prosecution if you fall for inmate manipulation and deception. You must be ethical and professional when dealing with inmates to avoid personal consequences and threats to safety and security. ✅ CO303.1. Understand the difference between manipulation and deception Inmate manipulation occurs when an inmate attempts to get something they want by influencing the officer or staff member to do something the officer or staff member would not ordinarily do. Manipulation can be an isolated incident or an ongoing series of events. Manipulation may result in more severe consequences for the officer, staff, or inmate. Deception is lying to, misleading, tricking, or fooling another person. Deception may happen on the spur of the moment or may be a habitual behavior. Manipulation and deception are difficult to distinguish, but the ultimate goal of both is personal gain or avoidance of disciplinary action. Assume an inmate asks an officer one of the following: “Did you watch the game last night?” “Would you like a candy bar?” “Do you have a cigarette?” “You smell good. What cologne or perfume are you wearing?” While these questions might seem harmless, they could be the beginning of manipulation or decep- tion by an inmate. You should know how to recognize and handle such questions. When manipu- lation or deception occurs, you are being controlled. This jeopardizes the safety and security of staff, visitors, and inmates. If you give in to inmate manipulation and deception, you may also face disciplinary action, termination, and even criminal charges. Chapter 3 Officer Safety / 91 ✅ CO303.2. Know the methods inmates use to manipulate and deceive Methods inmates use to manipulate and deceive correctional staff can range from subtle to extreme, such as: attempting to create bonds with staff members—an inmate going above and beyond expected job duties in an attempt to get a favor or special consideration circumventing or disobeying rules—testing the boundaries of the supervising officer using special circumstances or situations—using a disability or illness to gain preferential or special treatment distracting staff—creating a diversion to distract your attention attempting to engage staff in casual non-job related conversation—requesting personal information regarding staff, such as asking where you are from, what school you attended, your age or marital status, the number of children you have, or your favorite sports team spreading rumors about staff or attempting to turn one staff member against another—discussing information about staff members with you; “I heard Sergeant Doe talking about you yesterday and he said that you were lazy.” over familiarizing with staff—knowing enough about you to notice a change in your routine attempting any illegal activity—bribing, blackmailing, or offering sex Inmates may coordinate and execute a plan to manipulate or deceive you or others, whether as an individual or part of an organized team. Inmates may carry out a plan to manipulate or deceive you or others. The participants of the team may consist of, but are not limited to, observers, contacts, runners, turners, and point men. The following are the roles of each participant: observers—observe correctional officers who use inmate jargon, ignore minor rule infrac- tions, play favorites, enforce rules for some and not others, or are easily distracted. contacts—supply information about the correctional officer’s work habits, likes, and dislikes. runners—are usually the only paid members of the team because they must expose them- selves to the correctional officer by asking for small items like candy, cigarettes, or pencils. turners—befriend the correctional officer and use the friendship to ultimately coerce the officer into engaging in rule infractions. They are the least suspected ones by the correc- tional officer. point men—stand guard when the officer is in the process of granting illegal favors, violat- ing institutional rules, or being compromised or harmed. 92 / Florida Basic Recruit Training Program (CO): Volume 1 Whether targeted by an individual or a team, you will be subjected to inmate manipulation and deception. You must also recognize when other staff is being targeted by these tactics. By staying alert and focused, you can stop manipulation and deception. ✅ CO303.3. Know the behaviors officers should display to minimize inmate manipulation and deception To avoid inmate manipulation or deception, refrain from being overly friendly or giving out personal information. Engaging in personal conversations and talking about other staff pose a serious safety and security risk. Avoid doing any personal favors for inmates such as bringing items into or remov- ing items from the facility, or offering inmates items like food and drink. Another situation to avoid is giving one inmate authority over another inmate. This creates a power structure that can be exploited and generates a hostile environment. Under no circumstances should you or a staff member engage in sexual conversations or activities with inmates. Behaviors you should display to avoid inmate manipulation include: be part of the correctional team follow rules and procedures monitor remarks, gestures, and actions communicate with supervisors and co-workers when you suspect a problem know your job and perform it properly document incidents learn to say “no” and mean it address inmates by “inmate” or their last name restrict your relationship with inmates to activities and discussions that are part of your official duties be suspicious be truthful be professional be cautious ✅ CO303.4. Know the methods visitors use to manipulate and deceive Be aware of signs of manipulation and deception used by visitors. Visitors may bring gifts or offer favors to staff or use intimidation in an attempt to get staff to violate facility rules. For example, a visitor may threaten to harm staff members or their family, or to report the staff member to a supervisor. Chapter 3 Officer Safety / 93