Which is an external influence on behavior in corrections?

The choice identifying local media as an external influence on behavior in corrections is valid because local media significantly shapes public perception and attitudes toward correctional practices, policies, and individuals within the system. Coverage of crime, punishment, and rehabilitation can influence how correctional officers, administrators, and even inmates behave, as they may feel the pressure of public scrutiny or respond to narratives created by the media. For instance, negative portrayals in the media can lead to harsher treatment of inmates or a focus on punitive measures, while positive stories might encourage rehabilitation efforts or community support for correctional programs.

In contrast, the other options, such as an officer's own values, greed, and internal rationalizations, are primarily internal factors that stem from personal beliefs, motivations, and justifications. While these may significantly impact an individual's behavior in a correctional setting, they do not qualify as external influences like local media does, which operates outside the individual and can affect the broader environment and attitude within corrections. Understanding how external influences like media shape behaviors is crucial for managing and reforming correctional practices effectively.