Basic Corrections Officer: Certification Study Guide

The presence of gang alliances within a correctional institution introduces a number of risks that can complicate the management and safety of both inmates and staff. Better communication among gang members can lead to organized criminal activities, including the trafficking of contraband, orchestrating violence, or coordinating escapes. These communications enable gangs to maintain control over their members and influence the behavior of other inmates, creating an environment of intimidation and fear. This undermines the overall order of the institution, making it more challenging for corrections officers to maintain safety and effectively rehabilitate inmates, as the gang culture can cultivate violence and disrupt appropriate interactions within the facility.

In contrast, increased rehabilitation opportunities, stronger disciplinary measures, and enhanced prisoner programs tend to suggest improvements in the institutional environment and inmate management which are typically not characteristic of environments heavily influenced by gang alliances.