OPOTA Corrections
A test question must respond directly to an SPO and every SPO may be the basis of a
test question. True or False?
1.1.1 - ANS-True
List reasons for corrections training. (9 reasons)
1.1.2 - ANS-•Mandated by state law
•To acquire new knowledge and skills
•To reduce errors and mistakes in performing critical tasks while protecting the public
•To standardize procedures
•To increase efficiency
•To build confidence and morale
•To promote safety and survival skills
•To reduce civil liability
•To eliminate unfit trainees who do not meet training standards
Describe the general standards set forth in corrections officer code of ethics and
conduct.
1.2.1 - ANS-•Emphasize the value of public service
•Outline expectations for treating inmates and fostering professionalism
•Require that corrections officers ...
-Respect the civil and legal rights of all people
-Refrain from any form of discrimination
•Prohibit corrections officers from ...
-Using their positions for personal gain
-Accepting gifts or favors that might imply there is a corresponding obligation that is
inconsistent with professional duties
List external and internal influences on behavior.
1.2.2 - ANS-External
•Relationships with friends and family
•Local citizens
•Local media
•Department regulations
•Interdepartmental politics
•Agency subculture
Internal
,•Officer's own ethical and moral beliefs and values
•Anger
•Greed
•Lust
•Internal rationalizations made prior to or after misconduct
Explain the steps in the decision making model and the application of PLUS filters.
1.2.3 - ANS-Step 1
Define the problem, being aware that how you define the problem determines where
and how you will look for solutions.
Step 2
Identify alternative solutions available to address the problem - at a minimum three and,
ideally, more than five.
Step 3
Evaluate the identified alternatives - list the pros and cons of each; differentiate between
known facts and personal beliefs about the situation.
Step 4 - Make the decision.
Step 5 - Implement the decision.
Step 6 - Evaluate the decision.
What are the PLUS filters?
1.2.3 - ANS-P = Policies: Is it consistent with my agency's policies and procedures?
L = Legal: Is the action lawful?
U = Universal: Does it conform to the universal principles and values of my agency?
S = Self: Does it align with my beliefs of what is right, good, and fair?
Identify the essential questions answered in a report. (6 questions)
1.3.1 - ANS-•Who
•What
•When
•How
•Where
•Why
Identify the requirements of a well written report. (7 requirements)
,1.3.2 - ANS-•Complete
•Factual
•Accurate
•Objective
•Concise
•Clear
•Grammatically and mechanically correct
State the purposes of the Bill of Rights.
2.1.1 - ANS-•Protect an individual's freedoms
•Prevent the government from interfering in protected rights
Describe the major components of the criminal justice system.
2.1.2 - ANS-Law enforcement (e.g., police officer, deputy sheriff)
•Keep the peace
•Apprehend violators and combat crime
•Prevent crime
•Provide social services
Courts
•Hold fair and impartial trials (i.e., ensure due process)
•Determine guilt or innocence
•Impose sentences on the guilty
•Key personnel includes judges, prosecutors, and defense attorneys
Corrections - responsible for supervising the offender
•Prisons/county jails
•Parole
•Probation
•Halfway houses
•Work release programs
List the goals of sentencing. (3 goals)
2.1.3 - ANS-•Punish the offender and in many cases, rehabilitate the offender
•Protect society
•Restore the victim as much as possible
List the general rules for effective courtroom testimony. (8 rules)
2.1.4 - ANS-•Be prepared
•Project a positive image
, •Dress in professional attire
•Sit, stand, and walk with good posture
•Project your voice
•Give direct answers to questions from attorneys or the judge
•If permitted to take reports and notes to the witness stand, ask for a moment to review
them (i.e., do not read directly from report unless told to do so)
•Be honest
Describe the primary sources of inmate rights.
2.2.1 - ANS-United States Constitutional Amendments
•First Amendment
•Fourth Amendment
•Fifth Amendment
•Sixth Amendment
•Eighth Amendment
•Fourteenth Amendment
Case law precedent
•The making of law through the court's interpretation of the Constitution, statutes, and
other laws
•A decided case that furnishes a basis for determining later cases involving similar facts
or issues.
Federal statutes
•Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA)
•Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA)
State statutes - as described in the Ohio Revised Code
State administrative rules - the Ohio Administrative Code lists the standards for each
category of jail.
Recognize the factors used to determine if an inmate's rights can be limited.
2.2.2 - ANS-Is the limitation in furtherance of a compelling governmental interest?
−What dangers are involved in granting an inmate's request?
−What is the impact on the facility by accommodating the inmate?
−What government interests are at stake?
Is the limitation the least restrictive means of furthering that compelling interest? The
test considers the following questions...
−Is the inmate's request or activity in question protected under Ohio laws, federal laws,
and/or constitutions?
A test question must respond directly to an SPO and every SPO may be the basis of a
test question. True or False?
1.1.1 - ANS-True
List reasons for corrections training. (9 reasons)
1.1.2 - ANS-•Mandated by state law
•To acquire new knowledge and skills
•To reduce errors and mistakes in performing critical tasks while protecting the public
•To standardize procedures
•To increase efficiency
•To build confidence and morale
•To promote safety and survival skills
•To reduce civil liability
•To eliminate unfit trainees who do not meet training standards
Describe the general standards set forth in corrections officer code of ethics and
conduct.
1.2.1 - ANS-•Emphasize the value of public service
•Outline expectations for treating inmates and fostering professionalism
•Require that corrections officers ...
-Respect the civil and legal rights of all people
-Refrain from any form of discrimination
•Prohibit corrections officers from ...
-Using their positions for personal gain
-Accepting gifts or favors that might imply there is a corresponding obligation that is
inconsistent with professional duties
List external and internal influences on behavior.
1.2.2 - ANS-External
•Relationships with friends and family
•Local citizens
•Local media
•Department regulations
•Interdepartmental politics
•Agency subculture
Internal
,•Officer's own ethical and moral beliefs and values
•Anger
•Greed
•Lust
•Internal rationalizations made prior to or after misconduct
Explain the steps in the decision making model and the application of PLUS filters.
1.2.3 - ANS-Step 1
Define the problem, being aware that how you define the problem determines where
and how you will look for solutions.
Step 2
Identify alternative solutions available to address the problem - at a minimum three and,
ideally, more than five.
Step 3
Evaluate the identified alternatives - list the pros and cons of each; differentiate between
known facts and personal beliefs about the situation.
Step 4 - Make the decision.
Step 5 - Implement the decision.
Step 6 - Evaluate the decision.
What are the PLUS filters?
1.2.3 - ANS-P = Policies: Is it consistent with my agency's policies and procedures?
L = Legal: Is the action lawful?
U = Universal: Does it conform to the universal principles and values of my agency?
S = Self: Does it align with my beliefs of what is right, good, and fair?
Identify the essential questions answered in a report. (6 questions)
1.3.1 - ANS-•Who
•What
•When
•How
•Where
•Why
Identify the requirements of a well written report. (7 requirements)
,1.3.2 - ANS-•Complete
•Factual
•Accurate
•Objective
•Concise
•Clear
•Grammatically and mechanically correct
State the purposes of the Bill of Rights.
2.1.1 - ANS-•Protect an individual's freedoms
•Prevent the government from interfering in protected rights
Describe the major components of the criminal justice system.
2.1.2 - ANS-Law enforcement (e.g., police officer, deputy sheriff)
•Keep the peace
•Apprehend violators and combat crime
•Prevent crime
•Provide social services
Courts
•Hold fair and impartial trials (i.e., ensure due process)
•Determine guilt or innocence
•Impose sentences on the guilty
•Key personnel includes judges, prosecutors, and defense attorneys
Corrections - responsible for supervising the offender
•Prisons/county jails
•Parole
•Probation
•Halfway houses
•Work release programs
List the goals of sentencing. (3 goals)
2.1.3 - ANS-•Punish the offender and in many cases, rehabilitate the offender
•Protect society
•Restore the victim as much as possible
List the general rules for effective courtroom testimony. (8 rules)
2.1.4 - ANS-•Be prepared
•Project a positive image
, •Dress in professional attire
•Sit, stand, and walk with good posture
•Project your voice
•Give direct answers to questions from attorneys or the judge
•If permitted to take reports and notes to the witness stand, ask for a moment to review
them (i.e., do not read directly from report unless told to do so)
•Be honest
Describe the primary sources of inmate rights.
2.2.1 - ANS-United States Constitutional Amendments
•First Amendment
•Fourth Amendment
•Fifth Amendment
•Sixth Amendment
•Eighth Amendment
•Fourteenth Amendment
Case law precedent
•The making of law through the court's interpretation of the Constitution, statutes, and
other laws
•A decided case that furnishes a basis for determining later cases involving similar facts
or issues.
Federal statutes
•Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA)
•Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA)
State statutes - as described in the Ohio Revised Code
State administrative rules - the Ohio Administrative Code lists the standards for each
category of jail.
Recognize the factors used to determine if an inmate's rights can be limited.
2.2.2 - ANS-Is the limitation in furtherance of a compelling governmental interest?
−What dangers are involved in granting an inmate's request?
−What is the impact on the facility by accommodating the inmate?
−What government interests are at stake?
Is the limitation the least restrictive means of furthering that compelling interest? The
test considers the following questions...
−Is the inmate's request or activity in question protected under Ohio laws, federal laws,
and/or constitutions?
