What is the principle of 'need to know' in corrections?

• A. Access to information is limited to personnel with a legitimate need to know for their official duties.
• B. Access to information is unlimited for all staff.
• C. Access only to security staff.
• D. Access only to supervisors.

Answer: (A)

The principle being tested is that information in corrections should be shared on a need-to-know basis. Access is limited to personnel whose official duties require it. This safeguards inmate privacy, staff safety, and facility security, and it reduces the risk of information being mishandled or misused. In practice, access is granted according to role and task: a nurse can review medical records to provide care, a case manager can access relevant behavioral information for treatment planning, and investigators can view incident details only when necessary for their work. The others fall short because unlimited access can expose sensitive data, while restricting access only to security staff or only to supervisors would hinder those who legitimately need information to perform their duties.