What is an essential part of working with inmates?

Treating all individuals equally is an essential part of working with inmates as it fosters a sense of fairness and respect within the correctional environment. When staff members approach inmates without bias or favoritism, it helps to establish a culture of equality, reducing tensions and promoting better behavior among the incarcerated population. This approach can foster trust and cooperation, which is vital for effective communication and rehabilitation efforts.

Dismissing personal relationships does not mean ignoring the need for positive interaction, but it reinforces the idea that all inmates deserve the same level of professionalism and respect, irrespective of their backgrounds or offenses. Establishing strict discipline or providing entertainment could lead to complications in maintaining professional boundaries or effective authority, differing from the core principle of treating every inmate equally to support a functional and respectful environment.