Psychologists approach inmates with different attitudes than security personnel, as shaped by the tasks which they perform. Psychologists see inmates as clients to be served, while security staff see inmates, interests as secondary to those of the government or the prison establishment. Correctional psychologists should maintain sight of their role in developing acceptable social behaviors and marketable skills in inmates and in restoring inmates' freedom of choice. The essential demands for security in prisons may cause psychologists to lose sight of these goals and begin to see inmates solely from a security standpoint. Psychologists should use prison-imposed punishments for therapeutic purposes. They should arrange compromises with security personnel in those situations where the goals of prison therapeutic treatment conflict with institutional practices. They should also view each inmate individually, unlike prison staff for whom these categorizations may help in the efficient performance of their jobs. Eleven references are included.