State Corrections Officer EXAM TEST QUESTIONS AND
CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS
RATIONALES -2026 |NSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
1. Which of the following is a primary responsibility of a
corrections officer?
A. Counseling inmates
B. Maintaining security and safety
C. Providing legal advice
D. Supervising parole hearings
*Answer: B. Maintaining security and safety — A corrections
officer’s main responsibility is to ensure the safety of inmates,
staff, and the facility, which includes preventing disturbances,
escapes, and illegal activities.
2. What is the best method to prevent inmate contraband?
A. Relying on inmate honesty
B. Regular searches and inspections
C. Reducing inmate work assignments
D. Limiting visitation
*Answer: B. Regular searches and inspections — Routine
searches of inmates, cells, and packages are key to preventing
contraband and maintaining a safe environment.
,3. A corrections officer observes two inmates fighting. What is
the most appropriate immediate action?
A. Call for backup and intervene safely
B. Wait to see who wins
C. Record the incident for later
D. Send other inmates to break it up
*Answer: A. Call for backup and intervene safely — Immediate
action is required to stop fights, but officers must also ensure
their own safety and follow protocols.
4. Which of the following is a sign of inmate distress that
officers should monitor?
A. Withdrawal from activities
B. Aggressive behavior
C. Sudden changes in appearance or mood
D. All of the above
*Answer: D. All of the above — Recognizing behavioral,
emotional, and physical changes helps officers identify potential
mental health issues or risks of self-harm.
5. What is the proper way to handle confidential information
about inmates?
A. Share with other inmates for safety
B. Discuss only with authorized personnel
,C. Post on facility bulletin boards
D. Use social media to warn staff
*Answer: B. Discuss only with authorized personnel —
Confidentiality ensures the safety, privacy, and rights of inmates
and prevents legal violations.
6. Which of the following best describes “use of force” in
corrections?
A. Using physical intervention only in emergencies
B. Punishing inmates
C. Moving inmates from one cell to another
D. Ignoring verbal threats
*Answer: A. Using physical intervention only in emergencies —
Use of force must be justified, proportional, and in accordance
with facility policies and laws.
7. What is the primary purpose of an inmate classification
system?
A. To punish inmates
B. To manage security levels and programs
C. To reduce staff workload
D. To schedule recreational activities
, *Answer: B. To manage security levels and programs —
Classification helps determine appropriate housing, supervision,
and rehabilitative programs for each inmate.
8. Which of the following is considered professional behavior
for a corrections officer?
A. Treating all inmates fairly and respectfully
B. Using personal relationships to gain favors
C. Ignoring policy violations if minor
D. Discussing facility operations publicly
*Answer: A. Treating all inmates fairly and respectfully —
Professional conduct ensures order, reduces conflicts, and
protects the officer legally.
9. Which scenario requires immediate reporting by a
corrections officer?
A. An inmate refusing to exercise
B. Discovery of an inmate with a weapon
C. A minor argument over food
D. An inmate requesting extra clothing
*Answer: B. Discovery of an inmate with a weapon — Weapons
pose a serious threat to safety and must be reported
immediately according to protocol.
CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS
RATIONALES -2026 |NSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
1. Which of the following is a primary responsibility of a
corrections officer?
A. Counseling inmates
B. Maintaining security and safety
C. Providing legal advice
D. Supervising parole hearings
*Answer: B. Maintaining security and safety — A corrections
officer’s main responsibility is to ensure the safety of inmates,
staff, and the facility, which includes preventing disturbances,
escapes, and illegal activities.
2. What is the best method to prevent inmate contraband?
A. Relying on inmate honesty
B. Regular searches and inspections
C. Reducing inmate work assignments
D. Limiting visitation
*Answer: B. Regular searches and inspections — Routine
searches of inmates, cells, and packages are key to preventing
contraband and maintaining a safe environment.
,3. A corrections officer observes two inmates fighting. What is
the most appropriate immediate action?
A. Call for backup and intervene safely
B. Wait to see who wins
C. Record the incident for later
D. Send other inmates to break it up
*Answer: A. Call for backup and intervene safely — Immediate
action is required to stop fights, but officers must also ensure
their own safety and follow protocols.
4. Which of the following is a sign of inmate distress that
officers should monitor?
A. Withdrawal from activities
B. Aggressive behavior
C. Sudden changes in appearance or mood
D. All of the above
*Answer: D. All of the above — Recognizing behavioral,
emotional, and physical changes helps officers identify potential
mental health issues or risks of self-harm.
5. What is the proper way to handle confidential information
about inmates?
A. Share with other inmates for safety
B. Discuss only with authorized personnel
,C. Post on facility bulletin boards
D. Use social media to warn staff
*Answer: B. Discuss only with authorized personnel —
Confidentiality ensures the safety, privacy, and rights of inmates
and prevents legal violations.
6. Which of the following best describes “use of force” in
corrections?
A. Using physical intervention only in emergencies
B. Punishing inmates
C. Moving inmates from one cell to another
D. Ignoring verbal threats
*Answer: A. Using physical intervention only in emergencies —
Use of force must be justified, proportional, and in accordance
with facility policies and laws.
7. What is the primary purpose of an inmate classification
system?
A. To punish inmates
B. To manage security levels and programs
C. To reduce staff workload
D. To schedule recreational activities
, *Answer: B. To manage security levels and programs —
Classification helps determine appropriate housing, supervision,
and rehabilitative programs for each inmate.
8. Which of the following is considered professional behavior
for a corrections officer?
A. Treating all inmates fairly and respectfully
B. Using personal relationships to gain favors
C. Ignoring policy violations if minor
D. Discussing facility operations publicly
*Answer: A. Treating all inmates fairly and respectfully —
Professional conduct ensures order, reduces conflicts, and
protects the officer legally.
9. Which scenario requires immediate reporting by a
corrections officer?
A. An inmate refusing to exercise
B. Discovery of an inmate with a weapon
C. A minor argument over food
D. An inmate requesting extra clothing
*Answer: B. Discovery of an inmate with a weapon — Weapons
pose a serious threat to safety and must be reported
immediately according to protocol.
