TDCJ BLOCK 1 EXAM-STUDY GUIDE | TEXAS
DEPARTMENT OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE CORE
COMPETENCIES.
1. What is the primary responsibility of a correctional
officer?
A. Rehabilitation only
B. Punishment
C. Custody, care, and control of offenders
D. Counseling
Answer: C
Rationale: The core mission of correctional officers is to ensure
safety through custody, care, and control—not just punishment
or counseling.
2. What does “chain of command” refer to?
A. Physical restraints
B. Reporting structure
C. Security equipment
D. Emergency response
,Answer: B
Rationale: Chain of command defines authority and reporting
hierarchy within the facility.
3. Which is considered unprofessional conduct?
A. Following orders
B. Reporting incidents
C. Fraternizing with offenders
D. Wearing uniform
Answer: C
Rationale: Fraternization compromises safety, security, and
integrity of the facility.
4. What should an officer do if given an unlawful order?
A. Ignore it
B. Follow it
C. Question and report through chain of command
D. Delay action
Answer: C
Rationale: Officers must refuse unlawful orders and report
appropriately.
5. The key element of officer safety is:
A. Strength
B. Awareness
,C. Speed
D. Authority
Answer: B
Rationale: Situational awareness is critical to preventing
incidents.
6. Contraband is defined as:
A. Legal items
B. Unauthorized items
C. Food
D. Tools
Answer: B
Rationale: Contraband includes any unauthorized or prohibited
item inside the facility.
7. Which is an example of contraband?
A. Approved clothing
B. Issued ID
C. Cell phone
D. Uniform
Answer: C
Rationale: Personal communication devices are prohibited
inside correctional facilities.
, 8. What is the best communication style with offenders?
A. Aggressive
B. Passive
C. Professional and firm
D. Friendly
Answer: C
Rationale: Officers must maintain authority while remaining
professional.
9. The purpose of documentation is to:
A. Waste time
B. Protect officers legally
C. Replace communication
D. Avoid work
Answer: B
Rationale: Proper documentation ensures accountability and
legal protection.
10. Ethics in corrections refers to:
A. Rules only
B. Personal beliefs
C. Moral principles guiding behavior
D. Punishment
Answer: C
Rationale: Ethics guide professional conduct and decision-
making.
DEPARTMENT OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE CORE
COMPETENCIES.
1. What is the primary responsibility of a correctional
officer?
A. Rehabilitation only
B. Punishment
C. Custody, care, and control of offenders
D. Counseling
Answer: C
Rationale: The core mission of correctional officers is to ensure
safety through custody, care, and control—not just punishment
or counseling.
2. What does “chain of command” refer to?
A. Physical restraints
B. Reporting structure
C. Security equipment
D. Emergency response
,Answer: B
Rationale: Chain of command defines authority and reporting
hierarchy within the facility.
3. Which is considered unprofessional conduct?
A. Following orders
B. Reporting incidents
C. Fraternizing with offenders
D. Wearing uniform
Answer: C
Rationale: Fraternization compromises safety, security, and
integrity of the facility.
4. What should an officer do if given an unlawful order?
A. Ignore it
B. Follow it
C. Question and report through chain of command
D. Delay action
Answer: C
Rationale: Officers must refuse unlawful orders and report
appropriately.
5. The key element of officer safety is:
A. Strength
B. Awareness
,C. Speed
D. Authority
Answer: B
Rationale: Situational awareness is critical to preventing
incidents.
6. Contraband is defined as:
A. Legal items
B. Unauthorized items
C. Food
D. Tools
Answer: B
Rationale: Contraband includes any unauthorized or prohibited
item inside the facility.
7. Which is an example of contraband?
A. Approved clothing
B. Issued ID
C. Cell phone
D. Uniform
Answer: C
Rationale: Personal communication devices are prohibited
inside correctional facilities.
, 8. What is the best communication style with offenders?
A. Aggressive
B. Passive
C. Professional and firm
D. Friendly
Answer: C
Rationale: Officers must maintain authority while remaining
professional.
9. The purpose of documentation is to:
A. Waste time
B. Protect officers legally
C. Replace communication
D. Avoid work
Answer: B
Rationale: Proper documentation ensures accountability and
legal protection.
10. Ethics in corrections refers to:
A. Rules only
B. Personal beliefs
C. Moral principles guiding behavior
D. Punishment
Answer: C
Rationale: Ethics guide professional conduct and decision-
making.
