Which option best defines security threat groups?

• A. The non-verbal parts of speech as intonation, tone, speed of speech and allowing silence
• B. Groups within correctional institutions that promote violence against inmates or staff
• C. The study of how space between people is used as part of communication
• D. Words that have the effect of manipulating others, due to their strong positive or negative association

Answer: (B)

Security threat groups are organized inmate groups within correctional facilities that promote violence against inmates or staff. This definition captures the structured, purpose-driven nature of these groups and their intent to exert control or create fear inside the institution. The other options describe concepts unrelated to STGs—one relates to voice and tone (non-verbal aspects of speech), another to personal space in communication, and another to manipulating others through language—so they don’t define what security threat groups are. In practice, identifying STGs involves looking at group organization, membership, recruitment, and activities that threaten facility safety, guiding strategies to disrupt and manage their influence.