California Correctional Officer Exam Correctional Officer Aptitude 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: An inmate count must be conducted, but the totals do not match the roster. What is the officer's correct first action?
- Recount and immediately notify the supervisor (Correct answer)
- Assume the difference is a clerical error and move on
- Release inmates to recreation while counting
- Adjust the roster to match the count
Correct answer: Recount and immediately notify the supervisor
A miscount may indicate an escape, so an officer recounts and immediately reports the discrepancy to a supervisor.
Question 2: If 6 officers are needed to supervise 144 inmates, how many officers are needed for 216 inmates at the same ratio?
- 8
- 9 (Correct answer)
- 10
- 12
Correct answer: 9
The ratio is 1 officer per 24 inmates, so 216 ÷ 24 = 9 officers.
Question 3: An officer observes two inmates whispering and quickly separating when approached. The best response is to:
- Ignore it as normal social behavior
- Note the behavior and increase observation (Correct answer)
- Immediately place both in restraints
- Confront them loudly in front of others
Correct answer: Note the behavior and increase observation
Suspicious behavior should be noted and monitored rather than ignored or met with unjustified force.
Question 4: Which word is the closest synonym for 'apprehend' as used in corrections?
- Release
- Capture (Correct answer)
- Ignore
- Reward
Correct answer: Capture
To apprehend means to seize or capture a person.
Question 5: An officer must write a report. Which version is most appropriate for an official document?
- The dude was acting crazy and stuff
- Inmate Smith refused a direct order to return to his cell at 1400 hours (Correct answer)
- He wouldn't listen so whatever
- Some guy did something bad today
Correct answer: Inmate Smith refused a direct order to return to his cell at 1400 hours
Reports must be objective, specific, and professional, including names, times, and facts.
Question 6: During a fire alarm in a housing unit, the officer's priority is to:
- Finish current paperwork first
- Ensure inmate and staff safety while following evacuation procedure (Correct answer)
- Open all cells immediately without authorization
- Wait for the alarm to stop on its own
Correct answer: Ensure inmate and staff safety while following evacuation procedure
Life safety and following established emergency procedures take priority during a fire.
Question 7: If a shift starts at 2200 hours and lasts 8 hours, what time does it end?
- 0500
- 0600 (Correct answer)
- 0700
- 0400
Correct answer: 0600
2200 plus 8 hours equals 0600 the next morning.
California Correctional Officer Exam Correctional Officer Aptitude 2
An inmate count must be conducted, but the totals do not match the roster.
What is the officer's correct first action?