The Art of the Con: Avoiding Offender Manipulation

by Gary F. Cornelius

Book by Cornelius, Gary F.

128 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2001

Reviews

[Kristine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Since I've only worked in corrections for 1 month as of today, this book has helped me learn that I always need to be on guard for "the game" inmates easily play. Especially as a new therapist on a maximum security unit, I've already run into 2 which resulted in me writing up 2 major conduct reports. Never trust an inmate. They're always looking for secondary gain.

[Jodell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Things are seldom what they seem
Skim milk masquerades as cream
Black sheep dwell in every fold
All that glitters is not gold.
"Gilbert & Sullivan's HMS Pinafore"

[Abby · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've been reading this book at lunch for a while now. I need a bit of help getting the nerve to nag patrons and enforce rules, and I figured this would help. In fact, while the book is mainly geared towards prison employees, there's still a lot to learn about recognizing the manipulations from others and how to not let it happen to you. Taken generally, it's very useful and there are a few tips for those of us looking to stand up for ourselves more. It's also a fascinating book about how far some prisoners will go to get their way and how they go about doing it.

Probably the biggest, most basic lesson to learn is, be consistent and follow the rules to the letter. Don't let things slide because it's a slippery slope from then on. Sometimes it's easier to follow the rules than remember what you let slide, by whom, and how. And once you've bent the rule(s) they gotcha ya.

[Scott Kalas · Rating 3 out of 5]

Why I plan to Read: I did a quick read as part of reading curriculum for my Correctional School Ministry class want to reread at a more full comprehensive pace