, Question 1
During a formal count in a 1,200-bed unit, the officer's tally exceeds the
official roster by one. After an initial re-count confirms the discrepancy, which
action sequence best complies with TDCJ count procedures?
A. Announce a lockdown, conduct a unit-wide shakedown, then notify
the shift supervisor after contraband is found.
B. Freeze all inmate movement, notify the count room and shift
supervisor immediately, and conduct a supervised re-count of the affected
housing area.
C. Recount only the housing wing where the extra inmate was observed,
then adjust the roster to match the physical count.
D. Wait for the next scheduled count to see if the discrepancy
self-corrects before notifying the supervisor.
Correct Answer: B - Freeze all inmate movement, notify the count
room and shift supervisor immediately, and conduct a supervised
re-count of the affected housing area.
RATIONALE
TDCJ policy requires immediate notification and movement freeze
when a count discrepancy occurs; re-counts must be supervised and
documented. Option A delays notification and assumes contraband
without evidence. Option C improperly adjusts the roster without
supervisor approval. Option D risks security by delaying resolution.
Question 2
An inmate with a documented history of self-harm is placed in a single cell.
Which observation protocol best aligns with TDCJ mental health and safety
standards?
A. Every 15-minute checks with documented visual confirmation of
respiration and behavior.
B. Continuous one-to-one observation by an officer stationed at the cell
Page 2
, front.
C. Every 30-minute checks with periodic cell-front rounds by medical
staff.
D. Hourly checks with a camera feed monitored from the control room.
Correct Answer: A - Every 15-minute checks with documented
visual confirmation of respiration and behavior.
RATIONALE
TDCJ standards for at-risk inmates typically require frequent,
documented checks (often every 15 minutes) with visual confirmation.
Continuous one-to-one is reserved for acute crisis. Less frequent
checks (C, D) do not meet the standard for self-harm risk.
Question 3
Which scenario constitutes a permissible use of force under TDCJ policy and
the Eighth Amendment?
A. An officer uses a chemical agent on an inmate who verbally threatens
a lawsuit.
B. An officer applies handcuffs to an inmate who refuses to return to his
cell after a verbal warning.
C. An officer strikes an inmate with a baton for refusing to stand for
count after being ordered twice.
D. An officer uses a takedown on an inmate who is actively assaulting
another inmate.
Correct Answer: D - An officer uses a takedown on an inmate
who is actively assaulting another inmate.
RATIONALE
Force is justified to prevent imminent harm to others; a takedown to
stop an assault is proportionate. Verbal threats (A) do not justify
chemical agents. Passive refusal (B, C) generally does not warrant
physical force without escalating factors and warnings.
Page 3
, Question 4
A cell search reveals a cellphone hidden inside a hollowed-out book. Which
documentation element is most critical for supporting a contraband case and
potential disciplinary action?
A. The officer's opinion that the inmate intended to sell the phone.
B. A chain-of-custody form and a detailed incident report describing the
discovery location and condition.
C. A photograph of the phone alone without context.
D. A verbal summary to the shift supervisor without written report.
Correct Answer: B - A chain-of-custody form and a detailed
incident report describing the discovery location and condition.
RATIONALE
Chain of custody and a detailed incident report are essential for
evidence integrity and disciplinary due process. Opinions (A) are not
evidence. A photo without context (C) is insufficient. Verbal
summaries (D) do not meet documentation standards.
Question 5
During a fire drill, an inmate refuses to evacuate and blocks the doorway.
Which response best reflects TDCJ emergency response priorities?
A. Leave the inmate and continue evacuating others, then report the
refusal after the drill.
B. Physically remove the inmate immediately using the minimum force
necessary to clear the doorway.
C. Negotiate until the inmate complies, even if it delays evacuation of the
entire unit.
D. Lock the door to contain the inmate and continue with the evacuation.
Correct Answer: B - Physically remove the inmate immediately
using the minimum force necessary to clear the doorway.
Page 4
During a formal count in a 1,200-bed unit, the officer's tally exceeds the
official roster by one. After an initial re-count confirms the discrepancy, which
action sequence best complies with TDCJ count procedures?
A. Announce a lockdown, conduct a unit-wide shakedown, then notify
the shift supervisor after contraband is found.
B. Freeze all inmate movement, notify the count room and shift
supervisor immediately, and conduct a supervised re-count of the affected
housing area.
C. Recount only the housing wing where the extra inmate was observed,
then adjust the roster to match the physical count.
D. Wait for the next scheduled count to see if the discrepancy
self-corrects before notifying the supervisor.
Correct Answer: B - Freeze all inmate movement, notify the count
room and shift supervisor immediately, and conduct a supervised
re-count of the affected housing area.
RATIONALE
TDCJ policy requires immediate notification and movement freeze
when a count discrepancy occurs; re-counts must be supervised and
documented. Option A delays notification and assumes contraband
without evidence. Option C improperly adjusts the roster without
supervisor approval. Option D risks security by delaying resolution.
Question 2
An inmate with a documented history of self-harm is placed in a single cell.
Which observation protocol best aligns with TDCJ mental health and safety
standards?
A. Every 15-minute checks with documented visual confirmation of
respiration and behavior.
B. Continuous one-to-one observation by an officer stationed at the cell
Page 2
, front.
C. Every 30-minute checks with periodic cell-front rounds by medical
staff.
D. Hourly checks with a camera feed monitored from the control room.
Correct Answer: A - Every 15-minute checks with documented
visual confirmation of respiration and behavior.
RATIONALE
TDCJ standards for at-risk inmates typically require frequent,
documented checks (often every 15 minutes) with visual confirmation.
Continuous one-to-one is reserved for acute crisis. Less frequent
checks (C, D) do not meet the standard for self-harm risk.
Question 3
Which scenario constitutes a permissible use of force under TDCJ policy and
the Eighth Amendment?
A. An officer uses a chemical agent on an inmate who verbally threatens
a lawsuit.
B. An officer applies handcuffs to an inmate who refuses to return to his
cell after a verbal warning.
C. An officer strikes an inmate with a baton for refusing to stand for
count after being ordered twice.
D. An officer uses a takedown on an inmate who is actively assaulting
another inmate.
Correct Answer: D - An officer uses a takedown on an inmate
who is actively assaulting another inmate.
RATIONALE
Force is justified to prevent imminent harm to others; a takedown to
stop an assault is proportionate. Verbal threats (A) do not justify
chemical agents. Passive refusal (B, C) generally does not warrant
physical force without escalating factors and warnings.
Page 3
, Question 4
A cell search reveals a cellphone hidden inside a hollowed-out book. Which
documentation element is most critical for supporting a contraband case and
potential disciplinary action?
A. The officer's opinion that the inmate intended to sell the phone.
B. A chain-of-custody form and a detailed incident report describing the
discovery location and condition.
C. A photograph of the phone alone without context.
D. A verbal summary to the shift supervisor without written report.
Correct Answer: B - A chain-of-custody form and a detailed
incident report describing the discovery location and condition.
RATIONALE
Chain of custody and a detailed incident report are essential for
evidence integrity and disciplinary due process. Opinions (A) are not
evidence. A photo without context (C) is insufficient. Verbal
summaries (D) do not meet documentation standards.
Question 5
During a fire drill, an inmate refuses to evacuate and blocks the doorway.
Which response best reflects TDCJ emergency response priorities?
A. Leave the inmate and continue evacuating others, then report the
refusal after the drill.
B. Physically remove the inmate immediately using the minimum force
necessary to clear the doorway.
C. Negotiate until the inmate complies, even if it delays evacuation of the
entire unit.
D. Lock the door to contain the inmate and continue with the evacuation.
Correct Answer: B - Physically remove the inmate immediately
using the minimum force necessary to clear the doorway.
Page 4
