Ace the 2025 Basic Corrections Officer Exam – Unlock Your Badge-Ready Future!

When an officer identifies a situation involving a riot, activating the Incident Management System (IMS) is the appropriate course of action. The IMS is designed to provide an organized response during emergencies, ensuring that all personnel are aware of the situation and that clear procedures are followed to manage it effectively.

By activating the IMS, the officer initiates protocols for communication, resource allocation, and coordination with other responding units. This structured response is critical in maintaining safety for all, including staff and inmates, controlling the situation, and restoring order. The IMS also facilitates the gathering of information, command oversight, and the implementation of strategies to de-escalate the riot.

In contrast, options such as calling friends or ignoring the situation would not only be inappropriate but also counterproductive, potentially leading to increased chaos and danger. Joining the inmate side poses a significant risk and undermines the officer's responsibility to uphold the law and maintain facility safety. Hence, activating the IMS is the most effective and responsible action in the scenario of a riot.