A deputy being overly friendly and familiar with inmates when they are new will help prevent falling for an inmate con game.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Somewhat
• D. Not applicable

Answer: (B)

The main idea here is that professional boundaries matter for preventing manipulation. When new inmates encounter staff, they’re assessing trust and looking for openings to gain concessions or bend rules. If a deputy comes across as overly friendly and overly familiar, it can create a sense of closeness that inmates may try to exploit. They might use flattery, charm, or personal connections to press for leniency, information, or privileges, turning the relationship into a vulnerability that a con game can ride on.

The safer approach is to maintain a steady, respectful, and professional demeanor—clear boundaries, consistent enforcement of rules, and fair treatment for everyone. You can be approachable and communicative—answer questions, explain procedures, and show concern for safety—without becoming personal or lenient. This helps preserve authority, reduces opportunities for manipulation, and makes it harder for an inmate to use social manipulation as a tool.

So, the statement isn’t correct because being overly friendly when inmates are new increases the risk of falling for a con game, whereas professional boundaries and consistent conduct reduce that risk.