Which action constitutes misuse of confidential information?

• A. Sharing confidential information with approved colleagues on a need-to-know basis
• B. Safeguarding confidential information
• C. Reporting confidential information breaches
• D. Using confidential information for personal benefit

Answer: (D)

Using confidential information for personal benefit is misuse because information entrusted to you is meant to support your official duties, not to advance personal gain. When you use it for yourself, you breach trust, violate agency policies, and can put coworkers, inmates, and the facility at risk. It can lead to disciplinary action or legal consequences and undermines overall safety and integrity.

Handling confidential information properly means sharing only with approved colleagues on a need-to-know basis, taking steps to safeguard it, and reporting any breaches when they occur. Those actions align with responsible, ethical conduct.