TDCJ Core Competencies 2025/2026 – Ultimate
Exam Prep with Verified Answers & Detailed
Rationales
PD-28
Uniform and Grooming Standards
A transport bag will contain:
Hand restraints with key, black box, pad lock with key, belly belt,
leg restraints, key holes go up, chain.
→ RATIONALE: These items ensure inmate security and control
during transport while maintaining officer safety. Proper placement of
key holes up allows for faster access in emergencies.
Which officer will contain the hand restraints key?
The armed officer.
→ RATIONALE: The armed officer keeps the handcuff key to prevent
unauthorized access and maintain chain of custody for security during
transport.
Keys are identified by:
SITE & TOUCH.
→ RATIONALE: Keys are marked for site and touch identification to
prevent confusion and ensure officers can quickly select the correct key
under stress or low visibility.
,The number on the keys mean:
The number of keys.
→ RATIONALE: Key numbers track inventory and accountability,
reducing the risk of lost or duplicated keys.
A medical lifesaving kit will contain:
Towelettes, sheers, mask, gloves, and bio-hazard bag.
→ RATIONALE: These essential medical supplies enable staff to
safely respond to medical or trauma emergencies while protecting
against contamination.
Inmates will be _______ leaving the back gate:
Pat searched.
→ RATIONALE: Pat searches ensure inmates do not smuggle
contraband out of secured areas, maintaining facility integrity.
Inmates will be ______ entering the back gate:
Strip searched.
→ RATIONALE: Strip searches prevent introduction of weapons,
drugs, or contraband into the secure facility upon re-entry.
CORE VALUES:
Courage, Commitment, Perseverance, Integrity.
→ RATIONALE: These values form the ethical foundation guiding
TDCJ staff behavior, ensuring professionalism and trustworthiness.
, 3 leading causes to officers’ death:
Medical conditions, vehicle accidents, offender aggression.
→ RATIONALE: Awareness of these risks promotes health, defensive
driving, and situational awareness training for officer safety.
Barriers to communicate:
Age, language, religion, common interests.
→ RATIONALE: Recognizing communication barriers helps officers
maintain professionalism, reduce misunderstandings, and improve team
coordination.
Categories inmates are placed in to be safe are:
Age, weight, aggression level.
→ RATIONALE: Proper classification prevents victimization and
promotes a safe living environment for all inmates.
C.A.P.E.R:
Contain, Access, Plan, Execute, Restore.
→ RATIONALE: CAPER provides a structured method for handling
emergencies efficiently and safely.
All cells will be searched within ____ days and ______ during unit
lockdown:
Exam Prep with Verified Answers & Detailed
Rationales
PD-28
Uniform and Grooming Standards
A transport bag will contain:
Hand restraints with key, black box, pad lock with key, belly belt,
leg restraints, key holes go up, chain.
→ RATIONALE: These items ensure inmate security and control
during transport while maintaining officer safety. Proper placement of
key holes up allows for faster access in emergencies.
Which officer will contain the hand restraints key?
The armed officer.
→ RATIONALE: The armed officer keeps the handcuff key to prevent
unauthorized access and maintain chain of custody for security during
transport.
Keys are identified by:
SITE & TOUCH.
→ RATIONALE: Keys are marked for site and touch identification to
prevent confusion and ensure officers can quickly select the correct key
under stress or low visibility.
,The number on the keys mean:
The number of keys.
→ RATIONALE: Key numbers track inventory and accountability,
reducing the risk of lost or duplicated keys.
A medical lifesaving kit will contain:
Towelettes, sheers, mask, gloves, and bio-hazard bag.
→ RATIONALE: These essential medical supplies enable staff to
safely respond to medical or trauma emergencies while protecting
against contamination.
Inmates will be _______ leaving the back gate:
Pat searched.
→ RATIONALE: Pat searches ensure inmates do not smuggle
contraband out of secured areas, maintaining facility integrity.
Inmates will be ______ entering the back gate:
Strip searched.
→ RATIONALE: Strip searches prevent introduction of weapons,
drugs, or contraband into the secure facility upon re-entry.
CORE VALUES:
Courage, Commitment, Perseverance, Integrity.
→ RATIONALE: These values form the ethical foundation guiding
TDCJ staff behavior, ensuring professionalism and trustworthiness.
, 3 leading causes to officers’ death:
Medical conditions, vehicle accidents, offender aggression.
→ RATIONALE: Awareness of these risks promotes health, defensive
driving, and situational awareness training for officer safety.
Barriers to communicate:
Age, language, religion, common interests.
→ RATIONALE: Recognizing communication barriers helps officers
maintain professionalism, reduce misunderstandings, and improve team
coordination.
Categories inmates are placed in to be safe are:
Age, weight, aggression level.
→ RATIONALE: Proper classification prevents victimization and
promotes a safe living environment for all inmates.
C.A.P.E.R:
Contain, Access, Plan, Execute, Restore.
→ RATIONALE: CAPER provides a structured method for handling
emergencies efficiently and safely.
All cells will be searched within ____ days and ______ during unit
lockdown:
