MD Correctional Officer flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Main idea

The central point that the whole passage supports. It must be broad enough to cover every paragraph, unlike a supporting detail that covers only one part.

Inference vs. guess

An inference is a conclusion the text logically requires. A guess is merely possible. If the passage does not force the conclusion, it is not a valid inference answer.

Chronological order

Presenting events in the order they occurred, using time markers such as at 1410 hours, then, and after. Standard structure for incident narratives and witness statements.

Objective report language

Wording that describes observable acts rather than conclusions about motive or emotion. Write that the inmate clenched his fists, not that he was furious.

Chain of custody

A written record of every person who handled an item of evidence, with date, time, and purpose, so its integrity can be shown later in a hearing.

Report addendum

A dated, initialed supplement used to correct or add information after a report is filed. Original text is never erased or rewritten.

Subject-verb agreement

A singular subject takes a singular verb and a plural subject takes a plural verb. Phrases between them, such as along with two officers, do not change the number.

Comma splice

Two independent clauses joined only by a comma. Correct it with a period, a semicolon, or a comma plus a coordinating conjunction such as and or but.

Dangling modifier

An introductory phrase that does not describe the subject of the main clause. In walking the tier, the door was locked, the door is not walking.

Its versus it's

Its shows possession, as in the unit and its staff. It's is the contraction of it is or it has. Test by substituting it is to choose correctly.

Life safety priority

In any incident, immediate risk to life and physical safety is addressed first, before containment, property protection, or paperwork.

De-escalation

Reducing tension through calm speech, lowered stimulation, active listening, and limited legitimate choices, used before physical intervention when time and safety allow.

Active listening

A technique of summarizing the speaker's content and feeling, asking open questions, and confirming understanding before responding or acting.

Percent change formula

Percent change equals the new value minus the old value, divided by the old value, times 100. A negative result indicates a decrease.

Mean versus median

The mean is the sum of values divided by their count. The median is the middle value of an ordered list. Outliers shift the mean far more than the median.

Rate comparison

Rates are compared only after converting to a common base, such as incidents per 100 inmates per month. Raw counts alone can mislead when populations differ.

Truncated axis

A graph whose vertical axis does not start at zero. It visually exaggerates small differences and should be read with the actual values.

Head count rule

Count living persons, not bunks, cards, or forms. Confirm identity where required, and report any discrepancy immediately rather than adjusting the record.

Top-to-bottom description

A fixed order for describing a person: height, build, hair, face, marks, clothing, footwear. A consistent order prevents omissions under stress.

Expectancy bias

Seeing what you expect rather than what is present. It is reduced by verifying independently, comparing records, and writing observations promptly.

Key and tool control

A documented system of signing out, counting, and securing keys and tools. Any unaccounted item is treated as a security breach and reported at once.

Contraband

Any item an inmate is not authorized to possess, or any item introduced into a secure area without authorization. Possession rules follow agency policy.

Positional asphyxia

Fatal breathing restriction caused by body position, especially pressure on the back or neck of a prone, restrained person. Reposition and monitor continuously.

Use-of-force standard

Only the force reasonably necessary to control a situation, within policy and law, followed by medical assessment, notification, and complete documentation.

Gratuity rule

Staff may not accept money, gifts, or favors from inmates, their families, or anyone seeking influence. The prohibition applies regardless of value or intent.

Overfamiliarity

Personal, informal, or secretive relationships with inmates that create opportunity for manipulation and compromise. A common precursor to contraband introduction.

Duty to report

The obligation to disclose known or suspected misconduct, including one's own errors, through the chain of command promptly. Silence is treated as complicity.

Need-to-know sharing

Confidential inmate or personnel information is released only to those with a legitimate operational reason. Casual discussion with coworkers may still violate policy.

Conflict of interest

A personal connection to an inmate, witness, or victim that could bias a decision. Disclose it and request reassignment rather than deciding alone.

Supporting detail

A statement that appears in the passage and backs up the main idea. Correct answers to detail questions are stated in the text, not merely plausible.

Report sequencing

The order of a narrative: who, what, when, where, how, why, then actions taken and disposition. Deviating from it can omit required elements.

Double negative

Two negatives in one clause that cancel each other, as in did not see no one. Use a single negative in formal written English.