Which of the following is considered a primary responsibility of a jailer?

Monitoring inmate behavior is considered a primary responsibility of a jailer, as it is essential for maintaining safety and security within the facility. Jailers are tasked with observing and overseeing the actions of inmates to prevent disturbances, ensure compliance with facility rules, and respond appropriately to any incidents that may arise. This duty involves regularly monitoring inmates during various activities, such as recreation, meals, and sleeping hours, which helps to promote a safe environment for both inmates and staff.

In contrast, cooking meals for inmates is typically the responsibility of kitchen staff or dedicated food service workers, conducting legal hearings falls under the jurisdiction of legal professionals or judges, and providing criminal counseling is usually handled by trained counselors or correctional psychologists who specialize in rehabilitative services. These roles are critical, but they do not fall within the primary responsibilities of a jailer, whose main focus is on security and the management of inmate conduct.