As a corrections officer, I can say that our job is dangerous. We conduct ourselves on an open yard as any patrol officer would conduct themselves on the street -- with one exception: We are out-numbered 50 to 1.
When dealing with a subject (inmate, offender, suspect, etc.) it is important to deal with them with the appropriate number of officers available. Wherever you work, whatever your jurisdiction, always have sufficient staff. If you feel funny calling for back-up, don’t. You can always send your backup away later if you don’t need them.
Its better to have more than enough on site to deal with an unknown, then to not have enough when something goes wrong.
Stay safe my brothers and sisters in justice.