Corrections / REACT

Materials Checklist

1. Corrections / REACT DVD

2. Corrections / REACT Count Test Scratch Paper 

3. Corrections / REACT Reading Test

4. Corrections / REACT Report Writing Test

5. Sample Writing Test

6. Report Writing Test Scratch Paper

7. NTN Confidentiality and Nondisclosure & Release and Waiver of Liability forms

8. Answer Sheets

9. Sharpened #2 pencils (Enough for each candidate to have two)

Key Tasks Before the Test 

1. Preview the DVDs on the player that will be used during the test administration to ensure compatibility. 

2. Review the instructions to prepare for the actual test administration.  

The test is intended to run without breaks for any reason, including bathrooms.  Candidates are aware of this policy. Pausing for technical or test compromise is allowed as needed (e.g. to adjust sound level).

Corrections / REACT Administration Schedule

Proctor(s) arrive at the Testing Center and prepare for administration.

Check in opens to candidates.

All candidates are checked into the exam area.

Hand out to each test taker:

• Two #2 pencils (sharpened)

• NTN Confidentiality and Nondisclosure & Release and Waiver of Liability 

• Answer Sheet

Once all items have been passed out, Proctors may begin reading the instructions below to the candidates.

“Thank you for coming to test with National Testing Network today. You should have two pencils in front of you. On the DVD, you will be shown the materials you will need for this exam. There should be no personal belongings in the testing area at this time.

No restroom breaks will be given during the exam. If you must use the restroom during the test, please raise your hand. You will need to give all your test materials and your photo ID to the proctor before exiting the room. They will be returned to you when you return to the testing lab. Testing will not be stopped. Only one candidate is allowed in the restroom at a time.

A proctor will be present at all times, if you have any questions during the test raise your hand and they will assist you. The proctors cannot answer any questions regarding the content of the test questions. Do not disturb other candidates taking the test.

After each question is presented, you will have time to mark the answer you think is best.  If you change an answer, erase it completely.  Be sure to fill in bubbles completely and correctly as the answer sheets are machine scored and only properly recorded answers are given credit.  You should try to answer every question, as there is no penalty for guessing.

Your score will be available to the departments in your account within three business days after you finish taking your test.”

Play Confidentiality Warning from the DVD and have candidates sign the form. Collect forms once signed and re-seat candidates if need be.

Read the below Corrections / REACT Human Relations Video Test Instructions to the group.

“The test you are about to take consists of 80 multiple-choice questions presented on video. 

The test is based on extensive research of human interactions in correctional settings.  It is not necessary to have experience working with offenders to get a good score.  All the information you need to answer the questions is provided.  Base your answers only on what you see here.  This video is not training material.  Institutional rules and procedures may differ from what you see here.  The only purpose of the questions is to test your judgment and ability to work effectively with offenders and staff.

As a correctional officer, you are part of the professional staff of an institution.  Among other things, you must account for offenders’ presence, monitor offender movement, control activities and enforce the rules.  You supervise the work that offenders perform.  You also have responsibility for the reasonable well-being and safety of the offenders, other staff members and the public.

You represent the authority of the institution.  You will have to work as a team with other staff members - assisting each other, sharing information and following the chain of command. Your goal is to maintain order on a long term basis.  To do so you must gain the respect of the offenders, as well as, your co-workers.  The best way to control offenders’ behavior is to get them to voluntarily cooperate with you.  Offenders respect those officers they view as fair and consistent.

You are expected to enforce all institutional rules and use reasonable judgment on matters that are not part of the rules. Officers working in towers are armed, but officers who are in direct contact with offenders do not carry weapons.  Offenders far outnumber staff and officers often supervise large groups of offenders.

If a correction officer can handle a problem adequately and safely alone, that correction officer should do so.  If the officer needs advice or assistance, supervisors and other staff members are available. Offenders are required to do what officers instruct them to do.  If offenders do not comply or if they act in a suspicious manner or a manner that does not show respect for others, an officer has choices.

Depending on the situation, choices might include such things as trying again to get voluntary cooperation or initiating a search or physically restraining offenders.

Another choice might be to write a disciplinary report on the offender.  The offender will then have to formally answer for his or her behavior at a disciplinary hearing.

Officers can also have offenders removed and placed apart from the other offenders in an area referred to as segregation.

Officers can make recommendations regarding offenders, such as recommending they be moved to a different cell or to a different work assignment.

Offenders may come to officers with problems.  Officers may be able to help with many of the problems, but counselors are also available.

When situations arise, consider the setting.  The more crowded and confined the area, the easier it is for a situation to escalate.  Offenders have been charged or convicted of violations of criminal law.  They live in a captive, deprived environment.  Small privileges, such as television, are very important to offenders.  Offenders are often known to try to improperly influence officers to get what they want.  A good officer maintains a professional attitude at all times.  A good officer does not give or take favors.  A good officer does not get personally involved with offenders in any way.

There are 80 questions in the video test.  None of them are meant to be trick questions.  If an answer is provided, you may assume that it is an available choice.  For instance, if one answer is to call for assistance, you may assume that this would be possible and that assistance is available. Each question will be shown once.  Pick the answer you think is best.  

Does anyone have any questions before we start the test? “

Begin Corrections / REACT Human Relations Video Test (1 Hour 15 Minutes).

When the Human Relations Video Test has finished, read below instructions for the Corrections / REACT Count Test to the group and hand out the Count Test Scratch paper.

“The REACT Count Test is presented on video.  It has two parts.  Instructions are provided on the video.  Test takers may use scratch paper if they wish.   Make sure to write your name on your scratch paper.”

Play Corrections / REACT Count Test (19 Minutes).

When the Corrections / REACT Count Test has finished, distribute Corrections / REACT Reading Test booklet and read the below instructions.

“The Reading Test is a 15 minute timed test.  Instructions are included in the test booklet.  Answer the reading test items on the part of the answer sheet that says Reading Test.  Please read the instructions on the first page of the booklet now. Do not go any further in the exam until you are told to do so.”

After everyone is done reading the instructions say:

“Does anyone have any questions at this time?”

Start the 15 minute Corrections / REACT Reading Test Timer on the DVD.

When time expires for the REACT Reading Test, collect all Reading Test booklets and bubble answer sheets.

Distribute materials for Corrections / REACT Report Writing Test: 

1. Corrections/ REACT Report Writing Test

2. Sample Writing Test

3. Report Writing Test Scratch Paper

Read the below instructions to the group.

“The next exercise is a writing test.  You should have a Report Writing Test and a Sample Writing Test in front of you.  The amount of space provided on the Report Writing Test is meant to give you an idea of how much you are expected to write.  You also should have a Report Writing Test Scratch Paper for notes and a draft, if you wish to write one. The scratch paper will be collected at the end of the exam but  will not be reviewed or evaluated.

Does everyone have the materials they need?  

Before we begin, let’s listen to some instructions and look at an example.”  

Play the Corrections / REACT Report Writing Test through the end of the Example Incident. Once you are back at the screen to “START TEST” read the following:

“Now look at the sample writing test.  This sample shows a good way of describing what you just saw.

“Two offenders are washing lettuce and talking about Offender Bristo. The two offenders are talking about seeing Offender Bristo with the new officer.  One offender says that Offender Bristo is attempting to manipulate the new officer and will have the new officer in the palm of his hands.  Both of the offenders express that they have seen Offender Bristo manipulate other new officers before.  One offender says that Offender Bristo is skilled at manipulating new officers and the other offender agrees with him.”

This is an example of an excellent writing test. It is clear, well organized, factual, legible and correct in terms of grammar, punctuation and spelling.  Notice that you are not asked or expected to write a technical report using correctional officer jargon.  This is not a training exercise.  We are simply looking for a good description of what you saw on the video so that we can assess your general writing ability.  If you are hired, you will be trained in proper report writing techniques.

Does anyone have any questions?

Remember, the incident will be shown twice with 15 seconds in between.  You may take notes.  You will have ten minutes to write your report.  Minutes remaining will countdown on the screen.  Ready?  Let’s begin.  “

Press START TEST to begin Corrections / REACT Report Writing Test (20 Minutes).

When the Report Writing Test is over, tell the candidates: 

“ Please put your pencils down. This is the end of the exam. Please remain seated while we collect all remaining materials.”

End the test session and collect all test materials from the test taker.