TEXAS CSO EXAMS SCRIPT ANSWERS AND
QUESTIONS SET A+
✔✔An intrastate transfer is: - ✔✔-when a probationer's case is transferred from one
county to another within the state of Texas
✔✔2 main reasons for authorizing probationer to move: - ✔✔-probationer resides in
another county
-probationer resides in your county, but has verifiable, positive reason to move
✔✔4 steps with which to authorize intrastate transfer: - ✔✔-obtain specific information
regarding anticipated residence
-verify information provided
-investigate and consider probationers compliance
-determine if receiving county has resources to meet probationers needs
✔✔3 options when probationer moves without permission: - ✔✔-strong reprimand and
permission to transfer
-deny permission and report violations
-deny permission and continue to supervise
✔✔Procedure for temporary move: - ✔✔-history travel permit indicating date of return
-document temporary residence and reason permission has been granted
-request mail-id or telephone reporting
-schedule specific office visit appointment for after scheduled return
✔✔5 reasons request for supervision might be rejected: - ✔✔-falsified residence and job
plan
-pending changes
-failure to report
-lack of resources
-unusual circumstances
,✔✔Role of receiving officer in transfer case: - ✔✔-same level of supervision as sending
county
-comply with CJAD standards
-assist probationer in complying with standards
-send periodic progress reports
✔✔Role of Judge in revocation hearing: - ✔✔-be neutral
-make decision of 'true' or 'not true'
✔✔Role of State's Attorney in revocation hearing: - ✔✔-show with a preponderance of
evidence that the probationer did violate conditions
✔✔Role of Defense Attorney in revocation hearing: - ✔✔-defend probationer using any
defense allowed under law
✔✔Role of Probationer in revocation hearing: - ✔✔-has most a stake, but plays minor
role
✔✔Role of Witness(es) in revocation hearing: - ✔✔-called by either State's or Defense
attorney
-must answer all questions truthfully
✔✔Role of Supervision Officer in revocation hearing: - ✔✔-expert witness on facts,
compliance, progress, recommendation
✔✔Purpose of cross examination in revocation hearing: - ✔✔-demonstrate lack of
credibility
-demonstrate bias
-establish a defense by raising doubt about fulfillment of duties as CSO
-destroy testimony
-draw out admissions favorable to probationer
-raise doubt regarding validity of statements/facts
-bring out new facts favorable to probationer
✔✔3 guidelines for preparation of courtroom testimony: - ✔✔-keep timely, accurate, and
factual case records
-review your case file before court
-maintain contact with the State's attorney
✔✔The most appropriate attire for a CSO taking the stand is: - ✔✔-business
professional
✔✔Avoid nervous behaviors when testifying as these may project an image of what: -
✔✔-insincerity
-lack of interest
, -lack of confidence
-lack of objectivity
✔✔8 tips for answering questions when testifying: - ✔✔-reply to questions in plain,
concise language. Avoid use of technical words, abbreviations, or jargon
-choose words that convey confidence. Eliminate phrases such as, "I guess," "I think,"
or "maybe."
-avoid phrases which undermine your credibility or truthfulness; such as "I must
confess," "to tell the truth," or "I'm not too sure but I guess ..."
-take your time. Do not speak too quickly. Organize your answers.
-do not hesitate to ask that a question be repeated or to state that you do not
understand a question
-do not be afraid to agree with a valid point
-do not be afraid to say, "I don't know." But do not be apologetic for not knowing
-do not be afraid to admit a mistake
✔✔When making recommendations to the court: - ✔✔-be brief, logical, precise, and
specific
-do not try to ride the fence
-be prepared to defend your recommendation
-don't allow the Defense attorney to talk you out of it
✔✔9 ways to avoid "traps" while testifying: - ✔✔-answer only the question that you have
been asked
-do not hypothesize or speculate
-be careful of leading questions
-do not allow the attorney to make you give opinions on matters on which you are not an
expert
-when asked if you have talked to anyone about the case answer "yes" because you
have talked to the State's attorney, your supervisor, etc.
-beware of a string of questions
-do not be distressed if the attorney points out a prior inconsistent statement
-do not be influenced by tone of voice or manner of speech- listen to the question
-ask for time if you need to look at the case file
✔✔Heresay is: - ✔✔-any statement made by a third party, where there is no opportunity
to test its reliability through cross-examination of the person who made it.
✔✔Heresay is inadmissible as evidence in a revocation hearing when: - ✔✔-if it is
objected to
✔✔5 major responsibilities of the supervision officer in court: - ✔✔-provide key
testimony in court; you are the expert witness
-assist the court in the preparation of official court documents
-provide accurate and current information to the State's attorney prior to the hearing
-monitor court proceedings to learn the status of an offender
QUESTIONS SET A+
✔✔An intrastate transfer is: - ✔✔-when a probationer's case is transferred from one
county to another within the state of Texas
✔✔2 main reasons for authorizing probationer to move: - ✔✔-probationer resides in
another county
-probationer resides in your county, but has verifiable, positive reason to move
✔✔4 steps with which to authorize intrastate transfer: - ✔✔-obtain specific information
regarding anticipated residence
-verify information provided
-investigate and consider probationers compliance
-determine if receiving county has resources to meet probationers needs
✔✔3 options when probationer moves without permission: - ✔✔-strong reprimand and
permission to transfer
-deny permission and report violations
-deny permission and continue to supervise
✔✔Procedure for temporary move: - ✔✔-history travel permit indicating date of return
-document temporary residence and reason permission has been granted
-request mail-id or telephone reporting
-schedule specific office visit appointment for after scheduled return
✔✔5 reasons request for supervision might be rejected: - ✔✔-falsified residence and job
plan
-pending changes
-failure to report
-lack of resources
-unusual circumstances
,✔✔Role of receiving officer in transfer case: - ✔✔-same level of supervision as sending
county
-comply with CJAD standards
-assist probationer in complying with standards
-send periodic progress reports
✔✔Role of Judge in revocation hearing: - ✔✔-be neutral
-make decision of 'true' or 'not true'
✔✔Role of State's Attorney in revocation hearing: - ✔✔-show with a preponderance of
evidence that the probationer did violate conditions
✔✔Role of Defense Attorney in revocation hearing: - ✔✔-defend probationer using any
defense allowed under law
✔✔Role of Probationer in revocation hearing: - ✔✔-has most a stake, but plays minor
role
✔✔Role of Witness(es) in revocation hearing: - ✔✔-called by either State's or Defense
attorney
-must answer all questions truthfully
✔✔Role of Supervision Officer in revocation hearing: - ✔✔-expert witness on facts,
compliance, progress, recommendation
✔✔Purpose of cross examination in revocation hearing: - ✔✔-demonstrate lack of
credibility
-demonstrate bias
-establish a defense by raising doubt about fulfillment of duties as CSO
-destroy testimony
-draw out admissions favorable to probationer
-raise doubt regarding validity of statements/facts
-bring out new facts favorable to probationer
✔✔3 guidelines for preparation of courtroom testimony: - ✔✔-keep timely, accurate, and
factual case records
-review your case file before court
-maintain contact with the State's attorney
✔✔The most appropriate attire for a CSO taking the stand is: - ✔✔-business
professional
✔✔Avoid nervous behaviors when testifying as these may project an image of what: -
✔✔-insincerity
-lack of interest
, -lack of confidence
-lack of objectivity
✔✔8 tips for answering questions when testifying: - ✔✔-reply to questions in plain,
concise language. Avoid use of technical words, abbreviations, or jargon
-choose words that convey confidence. Eliminate phrases such as, "I guess," "I think,"
or "maybe."
-avoid phrases which undermine your credibility or truthfulness; such as "I must
confess," "to tell the truth," or "I'm not too sure but I guess ..."
-take your time. Do not speak too quickly. Organize your answers.
-do not hesitate to ask that a question be repeated or to state that you do not
understand a question
-do not be afraid to agree with a valid point
-do not be afraid to say, "I don't know." But do not be apologetic for not knowing
-do not be afraid to admit a mistake
✔✔When making recommendations to the court: - ✔✔-be brief, logical, precise, and
specific
-do not try to ride the fence
-be prepared to defend your recommendation
-don't allow the Defense attorney to talk you out of it
✔✔9 ways to avoid "traps" while testifying: - ✔✔-answer only the question that you have
been asked
-do not hypothesize or speculate
-be careful of leading questions
-do not allow the attorney to make you give opinions on matters on which you are not an
expert
-when asked if you have talked to anyone about the case answer "yes" because you
have talked to the State's attorney, your supervisor, etc.
-beware of a string of questions
-do not be distressed if the attorney points out a prior inconsistent statement
-do not be influenced by tone of voice or manner of speech- listen to the question
-ask for time if you need to look at the case file
✔✔Heresay is: - ✔✔-any statement made by a third party, where there is no opportunity
to test its reliability through cross-examination of the person who made it.
✔✔Heresay is inadmissible as evidence in a revocation hearing when: - ✔✔-if it is
objected to
✔✔5 major responsibilities of the supervision officer in court: - ✔✔-provide key
testimony in court; you are the expert witness
-assist the court in the preparation of official court documents
-provide accurate and current information to the State's attorney prior to the hearing
-monitor court proceedings to learn the status of an offender
