Prison Glossary & Inmate Slang

Prison Glossary of Terms That Start With "B"

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Background Interviewer/Technician: An OIG DOC employee or contract worker who reviews applicant histories, conducts an initial preliminary background inquiry, and conducts background interviews under the supervision of the background unit investigator (manager).

Background Investigation: A thorough and systematic inquiry into the personal history of an individual to determine eligibility for employment with the Department of Corrections. Investigations may include but are not limited to, criminal history checks, employment checks, financial history checks, interviews, credential checks, education verifications, field investigations, polygraphs, and psychological or suitability testing.

Background Investigations Unit (BIU) Manager: An investigator who manages the BIU DOC employees and contract workers; oversees all background investigations conducted by interview technicians; and who certifies the eligible or ineligible status of the applicant based upon the background standards criteria. The BIU manager is the custodian of record for all background investigations records.

Baseline Test: A test requested by the facility under special conditions, including but not limited to: offender work crews, out to court, or when the offender is out of the perimeter of the facility, or a test requested by the community parole officer within three working days from release from a correctional facility to parole.

Basic Health: The physical condition of an individual that enables an individual to function at his/her appropriate maximum capacity.

Basic Hygiene Items: Comb, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste/tooth powder, toilet paper, feminine hygiene supplies, and if needed, denture cleaner and adhesives. Shaving equipment is usually made available upon request, which may include a razor and shaving soap/cream.

Basic Training Program: An orientation and training program designed to provide an overview of the DOC and a basic level of knowledge, skills, and performance based training abilities for newly hired DOC employees, contract workers, and volunteers. This program should contain a standardized, competency-based curriculum supported by appropriate materials and classroom resources.

Biological Specimen: Blood, buccal (oral) swabs, head hair, and pubic hair collected by designated, trained DOC employees or contract workers, or designees, for DNA analysis.

Black Box: Metal cover which is placed over the key opening on wrist restraints which prevents the offender from accessing the key opening during transport.

Bloodborne Pathogens: Pathogenic micro-organisms that are present in human blood, and can cause disease in humans. These pathogens include, but are not limited to Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), Hepatitis C Virus (HCV), and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).

Bodily Injury: Physical pain, illness, or any impairment of physical or mental condition.

Body Cavity Search: Consists of a visual, manual, or instrument inspection of an offender's body cavities.

Bona Fide Occupational Qualifications: A legitimate reason for an appointing authority to exclude persons on an otherwise unacceptable basis of consideration (e.g., only persons of the same sex are allowed to strip search another of the same sex).

Breach of Security: The unauthorized disclosure of information obtained during monitoring of offender telephone conversation; or the failure to report suspect or incriminating telephone conversations appropriately.

Buccal Swab: Collection of epithelial cells from the oral cavity (inside cheek and gums) by use of specific sterile cotton or sponge swab packaged for DNA specimen collection. Unlike blood samples, buccal swabs do not need to be collected by trained medical personnel.