NC Corrections Officer flashcards

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

Count verification

A physical, visual check confirming each inmate is present, identifiable, and breathing. A discrepancy requires an immediate recount and notification of the control room before any other action.

Two-officer rule

A safety practice requiring at least two staff for cell entries, restraint application, and movement of high-security inmates, unless a written directive specifies otherwise for a given task.

Strip search standard

A search requiring reasonable suspicion and supervisory approval under written policy. It is distinct from a pat search, which is conducted over clothing without exposure.

Key control

A procedure in which all keys are signed out, accounted for at shift change, and immediately reported if missing. A missing key triggers a facility search and incident report.

Contraband

Any item an inmate is not authorized to possess, including weapons, drugs, cell phones, and unauthorized money. Introduction by staff is a criminal offense as well as a policy violation.

Inmate movement control

The requirement that every inmate move only with a documented destination and time, using pass and escort procedures, with reconciliation at count.

Reclassification

A change in an inmate's security level based on documented behavior review. Line officers may recommend but do not unilaterally change classification.

Use-of-force authority

Under G.S. 15A-401(d) and policy, force must be reasonably necessary to prevent escape, prevent injury, or overcome resistance, and must be reported in writing.

Fraternization prohibition

Unauthorized personal relationships between staff and inmates or former inmates are prohibited, are grounds for discipline, and may be criminal under North Carolina law.

Incident report duty

Every use of force, injury, and unusual incident must be documented in writing before the end of shift, in factual, chronological, first-person language without opinion.

Certification maintenance

Custody staff must complete the Department of Adult Correction basic training and maintain required annual in-service hours to keep certification and remain on post.

Inmate supervision limit

Inmates may not be given authority over other inmates. Counts, searches, and movement are staff duties and cannot be delegated to the inmate population.

Disciplinary due process

Written notice of the charge, a hearing before an impartial officer, an opportunity to present evidence and witnesses where safety permits, and a written decision.

PREA

The Prison Rape Elimination Act requires zero tolerance for sexual abuse, mandatory reporting of suspected abuse or harassment, and protection of the reporting inmate from retaliation.

Mandatory reporting

Staff must report suspected abuse, excessive force, contraband, and security breaches through the chain of command. Failure to report is itself a policy violation.

Grievance exhaustion

Inmates generally must complete the institutional grievance process before seeking judicial review. Officers may not interfere with an inmate's access to that process.

Confidentiality of records

Inmate records, medical information, and PREA-related reports are protected. Unauthorized disclosure is a policy violation and may also violate law.

Written directive precedence

When a facility's written directive conflicts with local custom or habitual practice, the written directive controls and must be followed.

Escape response

Secure the count, broadcast the inmate description and direction, seal exits, preserve the scene, and coordinate pursuit through the control room and command staff.

Fire response

Activate the alarm, evacuate per the facility plan, account for all inmates at the assembly area, and do not re-enter until the incident commander clears the area.

Hostage response

Contain and isolate the area and support negotiation. Line officers do not enter to resolve the situation without authorization from the incident commander.

Riot response

Secure your assigned area, avoid isolated confrontation, and respond as a team under the direction of the incident commander rather than acting alone.

Medical emergency response

Render first aid within training, summon medical staff, and document the response. Officers must know AED and first aid kit locations on their post.

Emergency drill requirement

Drills are conducted on a set schedule and participation is mandatory. Drill records are maintained and subject to audit.

Post-incident review

After an emergency, staff preserve evidence, complete incident reports, and participate in an after-action review to identify gaps and correct procedures.

De-escalation sequence

Calm verbal engagement, active listening, clear simple directives, offering lawful choices, and escalating to force only when the situation requires it.

Radio protocol

Identify your unit, state the nature of the problem, give the location, request specific assistance, and confirm receipt. Brevity and clarity are required.

Active listening

A technique using paraphrase, reflection of feeling, open questions, and confirmation of understanding to reduce perceived threat and defuse tension.

Command voice directive

Give one instruction at a time in a firm command voice, state consequences factually, and allow a reasonable opportunity to comply before escalating.

Report writing standard

Reports answer who, what, when, where, how, and what action was taken. Use direct quotes for statements and avoid speculation or conclusory language.

Interpreter use

When an inmate has limited English or cognitive limitations, use interpreter services, avoid slang, and confirm comprehension before relying on a response.

Professional boundaries

Maintain respectful distance, avoid personal disclosure, and document requests that fall outside policy rather than granting informal favors.

Peer conflict channels

Disagreements with coworkers are resolved through the chain of command and established grievance channels, not informal retaliation or silence.