Section 1: Criminology, Sociology, Psychology, Social Work
📘 Criminology
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Definition: Study of crime, causes, prevention, and punishment.
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Theories:
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Classical theory: Crime is a free-will choice.
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Positivist theory: Crime is due to biological/social factors.
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Social disorganization theory: Crime linked to breakdown of community.
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Types of crimes: White-collar, cyber, juvenile, organized, violent.
📘 Sociology
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Social structure: Institutions like family, education, religion affect behavior.
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Social control: Formal (law, police) and informal (family, peers) mechanisms.
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Deviance: Behavior violating social norms.
📘 Psychology
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Criminal behavior psychology: Linked to personality disorders, trauma, environment.
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Cognitive distortions: Offenders may justify or minimize crimes.
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Mental health in prisons: High prevalence of depression, anxiety, PTSD.
📘 Social Work
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Role: Rehabilitation, counseling, reintegration of offenders.
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Probation/parole officers: Monitor and support offenders post-release.
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Community-based corrections: Alternative to incarceration.
🧠Section 2: Mental Alertness, Moral Integrity, Leadership, Administrative Traits
📘 Mental Alertness
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Ability to think clearly, observe keenly, and respond quickly.
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Crucial in high-stress prison environments.
📘 Moral Integrity
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Upholding ethics, honesty, and law.
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Key in correctional administration to avoid abuse of power.
📘 Leadership Traits
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Communication, empathy, decision-making, conflict resolution.
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Ability to motivate and manage prison staff.
📘 Administrative Capabilities
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Resource management, planning, budgeting, policy execution.
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Coordination with judiciary, NGOs, and other agencies.
⚖️ Section 3: Prison Reforms, Correctional Laws, Human Rights
📘 Prison Reforms
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Emphasis on reformation over punishment.
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Examples: Open prisons, skill training, meditation programs.
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Model Prison Manual (2016): Focus on dignity and reformation.
📘 Correctional Laws
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Prison Act, 1894: Basic law regulating prisons.
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Probation of Offenders Act, 1958: First-time offenders can be released on probation.
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Juvenile Justice Act: Separate system for minors.
📘 Human Rights Issues
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Overcrowding, custodial torture, denial of medical care.
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NHRC & SHRC: Monitor violations.
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UN Standard Minimum Rules for Treatment of Prisoners (Nelson Mandela Rules).
✅ MCQs (with Answers)
Section A: Criminology, Sociology, Psychology, Social Work
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Who is considered the father of modern criminology?
A) Beccaria
B) Karl Marx
C) Cesare Lombroso ✅
D) Sigmund Freud -
Which theory argues that crime is a result of environmental and social factors?
A) Rational choice
B) Positivist ✅
C) Psychoanalytic
D) Deterrence -
Which social control is informal?
A) Police
B) Judiciary
C) Family ✅
D) Jail -
A key objective of social work in prisons is:
A) Surveillance
B) Budget auditing
C) Rehabilitation ✅
D) Prosecution -
Which personality disorder is most associated with criminal behavior?
A) Borderline
B) Narcissistic
C) Antisocial ✅
D) Histrionic
Section B: Mental Traits and Leadership
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A mentally alert officer is likely to:
A) Avoid problems
B) Respond quickly to emergencies ✅
C) Overthink
D) Follow blindly -
Which trait shows moral integrity?
A) Corruption
B) Bribery
C) Honesty ✅
D) Nepotism -
Leadership in prisons should primarily focus on:
A) Authoritarian control
B) Staff punishment
C) Conflict resolution ✅
D) Ignoring inmates
Section C: Reforms & Human Rights
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The Probation of Offenders Act was enacted in:
A) 1956
B) 1958 ✅
C) 1962
D) 1948 -
Which document outlines international standards for prisoner treatment?
A) Geneva Convention
B) Magna Carta
C) Nelson Mandela Rules ✅
D) Rome Statute -
Custodial torture is a violation of:
A) Prison ethics
B) Administrative code
C) Human Rights ✅
D) Prison duties -
Who monitors human rights violations in Indian prisons?
A) Supreme Court
B) NHRC ✅
C) RBI
D) Planning Commission