Which of the following is an indicator that precedes a riot?

• A. Changes in inmate behavior
• B. Food hoarding
• C. An increase in fights and requests for protective custody
• D. Staff turnover

Answer: (C)

Recognizing precursors to inmate unrest relies on signs of escalating intra-facility violence and inmates seeking safety. An increase in fights indicates rising tension, potential planning, and the likelihood of disruptive behavior spreading. When more inmates request protective custody, it shows fear of harm and a desire to separate from others, which often precedes broader disorder as inmates anticipate or react to a looming riot. Together, these two indicators reflect both active aggression and inmates’ perception of danger, making them strong early warnings. In contrast, broader changes in inmate behavior can be vague and non-specific, food hoarding points to resource or stress issues without signaling an imminent mass disturbance as clearly, and staff turnover is an administrative factor rather than an inmate-driven signal of imminent riot.