What does 'good faith' imply for correctional officers?

• A. Officers act honestly and without intent to harm others.
• B. Officers always follow policy regardless of consequences.
• C. Good faith implies that officers act with an intent to improve the department's status.
• D. Good faith implies officers can ignore laws if it helps.

Answer: (A)

Good faith in correctional work means acting honestly and with a genuine belief that your actions are lawful and appropriate to protect people and maintain order, without malice or deceptive intent. This mindset centers on intent—doing what you reasonably believe is right and necessary under the circumstances, rather than harming others or acting with ill will. Because of that, the statement that officers act honestly and without intent to harm others best captures what good faith means. Following policy and training is important, but good faith hinges on the honest belief behind your actions, not merely blind obedience. Motives focused on improving the department’s status or ignoring laws to help it do not fit good faith, since good faith still requires lawful, non-harmful conduct.