Reports and Documentation
What is the main purpose of an incident report?
To record facts accurately for review and legal records.
What is the purpose of an inmate headcount count?
To verify inmate presence and facility security.
What’s the first thing you do during a fire alarm?
Call it in, notify admin, and follow evacuation protocol.
Inmates retain the right to ______.
Freedom of religion, legal access, or protection from cruel punishment.
What is the primary goal when using force in corrections?
To gain and maintain control using the least amount of force necessary.
List the 5 W’s of report writing.
Who, What, When, Where, Why (and How)
What do you do if your count is off by one?
Lock down area, recount, notify supervisor.
Name two common facility emergencies
Fires, riots, medical emergencies, escapes, natural disasters.
What is a grievance procedure?
A process inmates use to file complaints.
What’s the first step after using force on an inmate?
Secure the scene and ensure safety of staff/inmates.
What should reports always avoid?
Personal opinions or assumptions.
Why is housing classification important?
To separate inmates by custody level and risk factors.
Why do officers conduct emergency drills regularly?
To ensure staff and inmates know proper procedures and improve response time.
Can inmates be denied medical care?
No, they are entitled to adequate care.
True or False: Officers may use force to punish inmates.
False – force is never used as punishment.
When must reports be submitted?
Preferably end of shift
When conducting a count, what’s the most important?
Visual Confirmation
What is the role of the central during emergencies?
Monitor cameras, control doors, communicate updates, and DOCUMENT.
What must staff avoid to prevent a civil rights lawsuit?
Excessive force, deliberate indifference, rights violations.
List the four/five main levels of force escalation
Officer presence → Verbal commands → soft hand → hard hand/ control devices → Deadly force.
What is chain of custody documentation used for?
To track evidence/contraband from discovery to storage.
If an inmate is moved during count, what must staff do?
Document movement, update count sheets, and confirm.
Where are the emergency keys for the whole jail?
Storage room next to Central
What does the Eighth Amendment protect inmates from?
Protection from cruel and unusual punishment, including deliberate indifference to medical needs or inhumane conditions.
What does the term “objective reasonableness” mean in force policy?
A reasonable officer in the same situation would act similarly.