How should you handle confidential information about detainees?

• A. Access only on a need-to-know basis and store securely to protect privacy.
• B. Share detainee information with all staff to improve care.
• C. Store confidential information openly in shared spaces.
• D. Access at will and share freely with colleagues.

Answer: (A)

Confidential detainee information should be kept private and shared only with individuals who need it to perform their duties or ensure safety. The best approach is to access only on a need-to-know basis and store securely to protect privacy. This means restricting who can view records, using locked or password-protected storage, and keeping logs of who accesses information. This minimizes the risk of misuse, maintains trust, and helps ensure compliance with policies and laws. Sharing with all staff, storing openly in shared spaces, or accessing and sharing information at will would expose sensitive data, undermine privacy, and could lead to harm or disciplinary/legal consequences.