Which of the following is a common duty of a jail officer?

Monitoring inmate activities is a fundamental responsibility of a jail officer. This duty involves overseeing the behavior and interactions of inmates within the facility to ensure safety, security, and order. By monitoring inmate activities, jail officers can prevent potential incidents, manage conflicts, and maintain a structured environment. Additionally, this vigilance allows officers to identify any rules violations or risky behaviors, which is crucial for the overall safety of both inmates and staff.

While other options might appear relevant in different contexts, they do not align with the core duties of a jail officer. For instance, conducting financial transactions is not part of a jail officer's responsibilities, as this task typically falls outside their scope of duties. Similarly, developing rehabilitation programs is usually managed by specialized staff such as social workers or counselors, rather than jail officers. Representing inmates in court is a legal function performed by attorneys, not law enforcement personnel. Thus, monitoring inmate activities distinctly represents a core duty that is essential to the role of a jail officer.