The author, a correctional mental health professional for the past 31 years, has observed many tactics employed by inmates to exploit or humiliate staff members in order to reassert control over their own lives and surroundings. The author previously identified 12 specific power and control tactics used by inmates toward this goal, although he notes that most inmates do not use all tactics and tend to prefer some tactics over others. The author illustrates the use of all 12 power and control tactics through the use of a case study of “Larry,” an inmate who employed all 12 tactics and is described by the author as the quintessential con man. The 12 tactics are identified as: (1) testing; (2) diversion; (3) extortion; (4) disreputation; (5) negotiation; (6) rumor clinic; (7) revenge; (8) ingratiation; (9) splitting; (10) boundary intrusion; (11) sphere of influence; and (12) solidarity. The author defines each tactic and then offers examples of how Larry used these tactics to humiliate staff and assert control over his environment. In closing, the author states that having knowledge of these common tactics should help correctional officers and others working in correctional environments protect themselves against these common manipulations. References