Ohio Correctional Officer Practice Exam

What is the main purpose of a "Code of Ethics"?

1. To increase profit in correctional facilities

2. To identify expected behavior

3. To promote personal friendships

4. To outline training requirements

The correct answer is: To identify expected behavior

The main purpose of a "Code of Ethics" is to identify expected behavior within an organization, particularly within correctional facilities. It serves as a guiding framework that informs staff about the ethical standards and principles they are expected to uphold in their professional conduct. By clearly defining acceptable behavior, the Code of Ethics helps to ensure accountability, integrity, and professionalism among correctional officers. This framework is vital in maintaining a safe and respectful environment for both staff and inmates, as it sets the expectations for actions and decision-making in complex situations that may arise in a correctional setting. While the other options touch on aspects of operational function or social dynamics, they do not capture the essence of what a Code of Ethics is designed to achieve. For instance, increasing profit may be a goal of some organizations, but it is not the focus of ethical guidelines. Likewise, promoting personal friendships is not an aim of professional conduct; rather, it is about maintaining appropriate boundaries. Outlining training requirements is also important but is separate from the ethical framework that governs behavior and decision-making in a correctional environment.