CDCR Sergeant Actual Practice Exam &
Promotion Test Preparation: Complete Questions
with Verified Answers
SECTION 1: SUPERVISION & LEADERSHIP (Q1-15)
1. Sergeant Johnson notices that Officer Smith consistently arrives late for roll call and
appears disengaged during briefings. The most appropriate INITIAL action by Sergeant
Johnson is to:
A. Document the behavior and begin progressive discipline immediately.
B. Discuss the issue publicly during the next roll call to set an example.
C. Privately counsel Officer Smith to determine if there are underlying issues affecting
performance.
D. Transfer Officer Smith to a different post without discussion.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: C is correct as effective leadership involves private counseling to understand
root causes before formal discipline (CDCR Leadership Principles). A is premature
without attempting informal resolution. B violates principles of respectful
communication and could create resentment. D avoids the supervisor's responsibility to
address performance issues directly.
,2. During a shift briefing, you observe that several officers are openly criticizing a new
policy implemented by administration. Sergeant Martinez should:
A. Order the officers to stop complaining and enforce compliance immediately.
B. Ignore the criticism to avoid undermining administrative authority.
C. Acknowledge their concerns, explain the policy rationale, and establish clear
implementation expectations.
D. Join the criticism to build rapport with the officers.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: C is correct per CDCR Supervisory Training standards requiring supervisors to
bridge communication between administration and line staff while maintaining
professionalism. A creates resentment and shuts down legitimate feedback channels. B
allows morale issues to fester. D undermines chain of command and supervisory
credibility.
3. Sergeant Williams is informed that two officers under her command are involved in a
personal dispute that is affecting their professional interactions. The best supervisory
approach is to:
A. Separate the officers permanently to different shifts without addressing the
underlying conflict.
B. Mediate the dispute immediately without gathering facts or consulting policies.
C. Meet with both officers separately to gather facts, then facilitate a professional
resolution focused on workplace behavior.
,D. Refer the matter directly to Internal Affairs without supervisory intervention.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: C is correct as supervisors must first investigate and attempt resolution at
the lowest level per CDCR conflict resolution protocols. A avoids addressing the root
cause and may not be operationally feasible. B lacks due diligence and could escalate
the situation. D is inappropriate for interpersonal conflicts absent policy violations.
4. While conducting a post inspection, Sergeant Chen discovers that an officer has been
allowing inmates extra phone time as a reward for good behavior. Sergeant Chen
should:
A. Ignore the practice since it appears to improve inmate behavior.
B. Immediately remove the officer from the post and initiate formal charges.
C. Counsel the officer that all privileges must be granted uniformly per DOM regulations
and document the conversation.
D. Report the officer to the local district attorney for potential criminal charges.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: C is correct per DOM §30010 requiring equitable treatment and standardized
privilege systems; initial counseling addresses the policy violation proportionally. A
condones arbitrary privilege assignment that violates equal treatment standards. B is
excessive for a first-time policy misunderstanding. D is inappropriate as no criminal
statute has been violated.
, 5. During a performance evaluation period, Sergeant Rodriguez must assess an officer
who meets minimum standards but shows no initiative for improvement. The evaluation
should:
A. Rate the officer as unsatisfactory to motivate improvement.
B. Omit any negative comments to avoid damaging the officer's career.
C. Document meeting standards while identifying specific areas for professional growth
and development opportunities.
D. Recommend immediate termination due to lack of career ambition.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: C is correct per CDCR Performance Evaluation standards requiring accurate
assessment and constructive feedback for professional development. A misrepresents
actual performance and lacks credibility. B fails the supervisory duty to provide honest
feedback. D is grossly disproportionate to the officer's actual performance level.
6. Sergeant Thompson learns that an experienced officer is refusing to follow directives
from a newly promoted sergeant on an adjacent unit. Sergeant Thompson should:
A. Advise the new sergeant to avoid giving that officer any directives.
B. Confront the experienced officer publicly to assert the new sergeant's authority.
C. Counsel the experienced officer privately regarding chain of command respect and
support the new sergeant's legitimate authority.
D. Transfer the experienced officer to Sergeant Thompson's unit immediately.
Correct Answer: C
Promotion Test Preparation: Complete Questions
with Verified Answers
SECTION 1: SUPERVISION & LEADERSHIP (Q1-15)
1. Sergeant Johnson notices that Officer Smith consistently arrives late for roll call and
appears disengaged during briefings. The most appropriate INITIAL action by Sergeant
Johnson is to:
A. Document the behavior and begin progressive discipline immediately.
B. Discuss the issue publicly during the next roll call to set an example.
C. Privately counsel Officer Smith to determine if there are underlying issues affecting
performance.
D. Transfer Officer Smith to a different post without discussion.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: C is correct as effective leadership involves private counseling to understand
root causes before formal discipline (CDCR Leadership Principles). A is premature
without attempting informal resolution. B violates principles of respectful
communication and could create resentment. D avoids the supervisor's responsibility to
address performance issues directly.
,2. During a shift briefing, you observe that several officers are openly criticizing a new
policy implemented by administration. Sergeant Martinez should:
A. Order the officers to stop complaining and enforce compliance immediately.
B. Ignore the criticism to avoid undermining administrative authority.
C. Acknowledge their concerns, explain the policy rationale, and establish clear
implementation expectations.
D. Join the criticism to build rapport with the officers.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: C is correct per CDCR Supervisory Training standards requiring supervisors to
bridge communication between administration and line staff while maintaining
professionalism. A creates resentment and shuts down legitimate feedback channels. B
allows morale issues to fester. D undermines chain of command and supervisory
credibility.
3. Sergeant Williams is informed that two officers under her command are involved in a
personal dispute that is affecting their professional interactions. The best supervisory
approach is to:
A. Separate the officers permanently to different shifts without addressing the
underlying conflict.
B. Mediate the dispute immediately without gathering facts or consulting policies.
C. Meet with both officers separately to gather facts, then facilitate a professional
resolution focused on workplace behavior.
,D. Refer the matter directly to Internal Affairs without supervisory intervention.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: C is correct as supervisors must first investigate and attempt resolution at
the lowest level per CDCR conflict resolution protocols. A avoids addressing the root
cause and may not be operationally feasible. B lacks due diligence and could escalate
the situation. D is inappropriate for interpersonal conflicts absent policy violations.
4. While conducting a post inspection, Sergeant Chen discovers that an officer has been
allowing inmates extra phone time as a reward for good behavior. Sergeant Chen
should:
A. Ignore the practice since it appears to improve inmate behavior.
B. Immediately remove the officer from the post and initiate formal charges.
C. Counsel the officer that all privileges must be granted uniformly per DOM regulations
and document the conversation.
D. Report the officer to the local district attorney for potential criminal charges.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: C is correct per DOM §30010 requiring equitable treatment and standardized
privilege systems; initial counseling addresses the policy violation proportionally. A
condones arbitrary privilege assignment that violates equal treatment standards. B is
excessive for a first-time policy misunderstanding. D is inappropriate as no criminal
statute has been violated.
, 5. During a performance evaluation period, Sergeant Rodriguez must assess an officer
who meets minimum standards but shows no initiative for improvement. The evaluation
should:
A. Rate the officer as unsatisfactory to motivate improvement.
B. Omit any negative comments to avoid damaging the officer's career.
C. Document meeting standards while identifying specific areas for professional growth
and development opportunities.
D. Recommend immediate termination due to lack of career ambition.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: C is correct per CDCR Performance Evaluation standards requiring accurate
assessment and constructive feedback for professional development. A misrepresents
actual performance and lacks credibility. B fails the supervisory duty to provide honest
feedback. D is grossly disproportionate to the officer's actual performance level.
6. Sergeant Thompson learns that an experienced officer is refusing to follow directives
from a newly promoted sergeant on an adjacent unit. Sergeant Thompson should:
A. Advise the new sergeant to avoid giving that officer any directives.
B. Confront the experienced officer publicly to assert the new sergeant's authority.
C. Counsel the experienced officer privately regarding chain of command respect and
support the new sergeant's legitimate authority.
D. Transfer the experienced officer to Sergeant Thompson's unit immediately.
Correct Answer: C
