Prison policies prohibit sexual relationships in prisons; however, sexual relationships occur between inmates and between inmates and staff. Most prisoners, males and females, meet sexual needs through masturbation and consensual sexual relationships. Even so, some inmates use force or coercion to engage in nonconsensual sexual relations with weaker inmates. Although rape in prison is not as widespread as the media portray, it is evident in all prisons.

Correctional officers, often referred to as prison guards or jailers, work in correctional institutions such as jails and prisons. They are similar to law enforcement officers as they are responsible for enforcing rules and policies of correctional facilities. Correctional officers' main duties are to control, manage, and watch over the inmates incarcerated in correctional facilities. In recent years duties and responsibilities of correctional officers have greatly increased. Their responsibilities continue to include discipline and management of inmates; however, now it is necessary for correctional officers to actively aid in the rehabilitation of prisoners. Correctional officers find themselves in numerous roles throughout their careers, such as therapist, diplomat, caretaker, and disciplinarian.