Corrections Victoria Prison Officer Situational Judgement Questionnaire

During a routine cell inspection, a prisoner politely asks if they can keep an extra pair of issued running shoes that was left behind by a previous occupant, offering to clean the communal dayroom in exchange for your approval. How should you respond?

• AExplain that cell property limits are strictly set for safety and equity, deny the reques…
• BAllow them to keep the shoes temporarily on the condition that they perform the extra cle…
• CTake the shoes for yourself, as they are in good condition and would otherwise be thrown…
• DIgnore the extra shoes and tell the prisoner that what they do in their cell is their own…

A prisoner approaches you in the corridor and asks you to pass a sealed letter to their cousin, who is housed in another wing of the prison, claiming the mail room takes too long to process internal family letters. What is the most appropriate action?

• AAdvise the prisoner that all mail must go through the official mail room for security scr…
• BAccept the letter and carry it over to the other wing as a gesture of goodwill to help ma…
• CAccept the letter but open it yourself to read the contents before decided whether to pas…
• DTake the letter, throw it in the trash bin, and tell the prisoner that you will deliver i…

You notice that a prisoner who is usually active and social has become withdrawn, has stopped eating meals, and is giving away minor personal belongings like soap and magazines to other prisoners. How should you handle this situation?

• AEngage the prisoner in a supportive, private conversation to assess their welfare, docume…
• BIgnore the behavior, assuming that they are just going through a phase or trying to make…
• CReprimand the prisoner for trading personal hygiene items and threaten to confiscate thei…
• DTell other prisoners to keep a close eye on them and let you know if the prisoner tries t…

Two prisoners in the recreation yard are shouting at each other, posturing aggressively, and a crowd of other prisoners is starting to assemble around them. What should be your immediate response?

• AIssue clear, loud commands for the prisoners to separate and disperse, immediately call f…
• BImmediately run between the two prisoners and physically separate them before backup arri…
• CEncourage the surrounding crowd to move away and ignore the two main disputants to avoid…
• DStand back and wait for them to start fighting so that you have a clear reason to use phy…

You walk into an administrative office inside the secure perimeter and notice a set of prison security keys lying unattended on a desk. No staff members are currently in the room. What is the correct action?

• AImmediately take possession of the keys, lock the office, and report the key compromise t…
• BLeave the keys on the desk but lock the office door from the outside, assuming the owner…
• CPick up the keys and carry them with you for the rest of your shift, returning them to th…
• DIgnore the keys and walk away, as it is another officer's responsibility to manage their…

While grocery shopping on your day off, a person approaches you, introduces themselves as the partner of a prisoner in your unit, and offers to buy you a cup of coffee to 'thank you' for treating their partner well. How should you handle this?

• APolitely decline the offer, explain that you are not permitted to accept any gifts or hos…
• BAccept the coffee and chat briefly, as it is a friendly community interaction and you wan…
• CAccept the coffee but warn them that you cannot discuss any prison matters or give their…
• DReprimand the person loudly in the store and threaten to have their partner's visitation…

A newly arrived prisoner who speaks very limited English appears highly anxious, is struggling to follow simple instructions during the orientation process, and is beginning to raise their voice in frustration. What is the best approach?

• ASpeak calmly, use simple gestures, and arrange for an official interpreter or access the…
• BSpeak louder and slower to force the prisoner to understand your instructions.
• CDirect the prisoner to a cell and lock them in until a staff member who speaks their lang…
• DAsk another prisoner who speaks a similar language to translate all security and health r…

A prisoner is unhappy with the cell allocation they have been given. They begin shouting at you at the officer station, demanding to see the prison General Manager immediately. How should you respond?

• AMaintain a calm, professional demeanor, explain the cell placement process, and advise th…
• BTell the prisoner that they will never see the General Manager and that they must go to t…
• CArgue back with the prisoner using a matching tone of voice to show that you will not tol…
• DImmediately call for emergency backup and use physical force to escort the prisoner to th…

During a security patrol of a housing unit, you notice that a ventilation grille in a prisoner's cell has scrape marks around the screws and appears slightly loose. The prisoner is currently at education. What should you do?

• AFormally report the observation, conduct a thorough search of the cell, secure the ventil…
• BWait until the prisoner returns to ask them if they have been tampering with the vent.
• CTighten the screws yourself with a pocket tool and ignore the scrape marks, assuming it w…
• DDo nothing, as maintenance issues are the responsibility of the facilities department, no…

You overhear a colleague joking with a group of prisoners. During the conversation, your colleague shares details about another officer's family, including where they live and where their children go to school. What is your responsibility?

• AReport your colleague's disclosure to the operations manager or supervisor immediately, a…
• BJoin the conversation and laugh along to maintain a positive relationship with both the p…
• CSpeak to your colleague privately after the shift and advise them to be more careful, but…
• DMention what you heard to the prisoners later to see if they found the information intere…

A prisoner tells you they want to enroll in the prison's literacy program to help them get a job when released, but they are worried that other prisoners in their unit will mock them for needing help. How should you encourage them?

• ASupport their decision, explain the benefits of the program, discuss how enrollment is ma…
• BTell them that they should wait until they are released to study if they are worried abou…
• CMock them gently yourself to show them that a bit of teasing is harmless and they need to…
• DInform the other prisoners in the unit of their plans so that the community can encourage…

At lock-up time, a prisoner refuses to enter their cell, claiming they need to stay in the dayroom because their television in-cell channel is still updating. How should you handle this?

• AClearly and calmly repeat the instruction to lock in, explain that the television can upd…
• BAllow them to stay out in the dayroom for an extra hour so that they do not get angry or…
• CImmediately physically push the prisoner into the cell to enforce the lock-up deadline.
• DLock all the other prisoners in, leave this prisoner in the dayroom, and go home since yo…

While supervising the dining hall, you notice a sudden, unusual silence. Conversation has stopped, prisoners are looking towards one specific table, and the atmosphere feels highly tense. What is your immediate action?

• AAlert colleagues and control room via radio of the tension, position yourself near an exi…
• BWalk directly to the suspect table alone and demand to know what they are talking about t…
• CIgnore the change in atmosphere, assuming that the prisoners have simply finished their m…
• DImmediately order all prisoners to lie down on the floor and lock down the dining hall.

You realize that a newly admitted prisoner in your unit is a cousin with whom you had a severe, ongoing personal dispute before you joined Corrections Victoria. What is your immediate responsibility?

• ASubmit a written conflict of interest declaration to your supervisor detailing your relat…
• BKeep quiet about the relationship and treat them extra harshly to show that you are not b…
• CPromise your cousin special treatment in the unit if they agree to forget about your past…
• DResign from your job immediately, as officers cannot work in the same prison where family…

A prisoner complains of severe abdominal pain. Your colleague tells you to ignore them, claiming the prisoner is 'known to fake illness' to avoid their daily work detail. What should you do?

• AAssess the prisoner's physical condition, immediately contact the prison medical staff fo…
• BFollow your colleague's advice and tell the prisoner to stop complaining and report to th…
• CGive the prisoner some of your own personal pain medication to see if it helps their symp…
• DTell the prisoner that they must wait 48 hours to prove they are really sick before they…

A prisoner brandishes a plastic eating utensil that they have sharpened into a weapon, backing into their cell and shouting that they will stab anyone who comes near. How should you respond?

• ARetreat to a safe distance, secure the cell door if possible, immediately call for emerge…
• BCharge into the cell immediately and attempt to disarm the prisoner before they can harm…
• CShout back at the prisoner, challenging them to drop the weapon or face a physical beatin…
• DIgnore them and walk away, as it is a plastic spoon and cannot cause any serious harm.

During a search of a prisoner's cell, you find a detailed, hand-drawn map of the prison's outer perimeter fence and patrol roads hidden behind a poster. What is your immediate course of action?

• ALeave the item where it is, search the rest of the cell, then seize the map, document the…
• BConfront the prisoner immediately in the corridor and ask them why they drew the map.
• CThrow the map in the waste bin and tell the prisoner that they are not a very good artist.
• DKeep the map in your pocket and show it to your colleagues after work as a joke.

A colleague suggests performing daily, unscheduled searches of a specific prisoner's cell to 'teach them a lesson' because the prisoner spoke rudely to your colleague during lunch. How should you respond?

• ARefuse to participate, explain that searches must be conducted based on security risk or…
• BAgree to the plan, as supporting your colleague's authority is essential for maintaining…
• CSuggest that you also search the prisoner's friends' cells to make the lesson even more e…
• DTell the prisoner that your colleague is planning to target them so that the prisoner can…

A prisoner who recently received news that their parole application was denied is sitting on their bunk crying. How should you approach them?

• ASpeak to them privately and respectfully, listen to their concerns, offer support, and re…
• BTell them to stop crying and act like an adult, as crying will not change the court's dec…
• CAvoid the cell entirely to give them privacy, assuming they will recover on their own.
• DTell the other prisoners in the wing to go in and cheer them up.

A prisoner climbs onto the railing of the first-floor landing, shouting that they will jump if their telephone privileges are not immediately restored after a disciplinary suspension. What is your immediate response?

• AAlert control to call medical and emergency teams, secure the ground area below the landi…
• BRun up the stairs and grab the prisoner from behind before they can jump.
• CTell the prisoner to go ahead and jump, assuming they are only bluffing to get their own…
• DAgree to restore their telephone privileges immediately to get them to climb down, even i…

A prisoner asks if they can take a shortcut through a restricted staff corridor to reach their medical appointment on time, as they are running late. How should you respond?

• ARefuse the request, explain that prisoners are not permitted in restricted corridors, and…
• BAllow them to use the corridor just this once since they are in a hurry for a medical app…
• CEscort them through the restricted corridor yourself, bypassing security gates to save ti…
• DTell them they can use the corridor if they run fast so that other staff do not see them.

While at a family barbecue, an acquaintance asks you about a high-profile prisoner who was recently admitted to your facility, wanting to know if they are receiving special treatment. How should you respond?

• AState that you cannot discuss any work-related matters or detail information about prison…
• BProvide a few general details that have already been reported in the media to satisfy the…
• CShare confidential details about the prisoner's behavior and housing location, making sur…
• DComplain about the prisoner's attitude and share your personal opinions about their court…

A prisoner complains to you that their incoming mail from their family has been delayed for several days, stating that it contains photographs of their newborn child. What is the correct way to handle this?

• AAcknowledge their frustration, explain the security screening process for mail, check the…
• BTell the prisoner that mail is not a priority and that they will get it when they get it.
• COffer to sneak into the mail room after hours and find their letters to resolve the issue…
• DTell the prisoner to complain directly to the mail room staff and refuse to assist them f…

A prisoner accuses you of personal bias after you select them for a random urinalysis drug test, claiming you are targeting them because they are from a minority background. How should you respond?

• ARemain calm, explain that selections are generated randomly by a computer system to ensur…
• BApologize to the prisoner, cancel the test, and select a different prisoner from a majori…
• CArgue with the prisoner and threaten to charge them with making false accusations if they…
• DAgree that you do not like them, but tell them they still have to take the test because y…

During a routine search of the communal library, you find a mobile phone charger hidden inside a hollowed-out dictionary. No mobile phone is found nearby. What is your immediate course of action?

• ASeize the charger as contraband, document the location and details of the find, log it in…
• BLeave the charger in the book so you can watch who comes to retrieve it without telling y…
• CThrow the charger in the bin and put the dictionary back on the shelf without reporting i…
• DConfront all the prisoners in the library at the time and demand that the owner of the ph…

A newly admitted prisoner approaches you in tears, stating they do not know how to use the prison telephone system to contact their family, and they are terrified that their children think they have abandoned them. How should you respond?

• AAcknowledge their distress, explain how the telephone system works, assist them in regist…
• BTell them that the telephone system is easy to figure out and that they should ask other…
• COffer to use your personal mobile phone to call their family for them to save time and re…
• DTell them that they should have thought about their children before committing the crime…

While supervising the visitor center, you observe a visitor acting suspiciously. They appear to pass a small, wrapped item to a prisoner during a hug. How should you respond?

• AFormally alert the control room, monitor the prisoner closely, separate the prisoner and…
• BRun over immediately, grab the item out of the prisoner's hand, and yell at the visitor t…
• CIgnore it, as visits are a sensitive time and you do not want to disrupt the family visit.
• DWait until the end of the visit, then search the visitor's car in the public parking lot.

A prisoner begins asking you personal questions about your weekend plans, where you live, and what your hobbies are, claiming they are just trying to make friendly conversation. How should you handle this?

• APolitely redirect the conversation back to prison-related matters, maintain a professiona…
• BShare some details about your personal life and family to show the prisoner that you are…
• CLie to the prisoner and give them false information about your address and family to sati…
• DReport the prisoner immediately for harassment and place them in solitary confinement.

A prisoner is in their cell and has begun throwing and smashing their furniture because their canteen order was missing several items. They refuse to listen to you. What should you do?

• ARetreat, close and secure the cell door, alert the supervisor and control room, and attem…
• BEnter the cell immediately with a baton drawn and physically restrain the prisoner to pro…
• CUnlock the door and tell the prisoner that if they stop, you will sneak them some extra i…
• DIgnore the noise and walk away, as they are only destroying cell property that they will…

You observe a group of four prisoners standing in a corner of the exercise yard whispering. As you walk towards them, they stop talking immediately, disperse, and walk in different directions. What is your response?

• ALog your observations in the shift log, notify security intelligence of the suspicious gr…
• BRun after the prisoners and demand that they tell you exactly what they were whispering a…
• CIgnore the interaction, as prisoners are allowed to socialize and walk wherever they want…
• DOrder all four prisoners to be locked in their cells immediately for conspiring.

While working at the prison visitor reception, you recognize a visitor who has just signed in. It is your neighbor's adult son, whom you know well. What is your immediate obligation?

• ADeclare the personal connection to your supervisor immediately so they can assign another…
• BProcess the visitor quickly and say nothing, hoping that your neighbor does not find out.
• CAsk your neighbor's son for information about the prisoner he is visiting to help with se…
• DRefuse entry to the visitor immediately to avoid any potential conflict of interest.

A prisoner requests a religious meal (halal/kosher). The kitchen officer tells you they are too busy to prepare a separate meal and asks you to tell the prisoner to just eat the standard meal. How should you handle this?

• AExplain the prisoner's right to religious meals to the kitchen officer, consult the super…
• BTell the prisoner that they must eat the standard meal because the kitchen is too busy to…
• CAdvise the prisoner to skip meals until the kitchen has more time to accommodate their re…
• DBuy some appropriate food from a local supermarket yourself and bring it in for the priso…

While you are conducting a routine search of a cell, the occupant returns, becomes highly agitated, and starts swearing at you, accusing you of constant harassment. How should you handle their reaction?

• ARemain calm, explain the routine and random nature of cell searches for safety, and conti…
• BStop the search immediately, apologize to the prisoner, and leave the cell to avoid makin…
• CSwear back at the prisoner and threaten to trash their cell if they do not remain silent.
• DOrder the prisoner to shut up and physically push them out of the cell corridor.

A fire alarm sounds in the laundry workshop where you are working, and you smell smoke coming from a commercial dryer. What is your first action?

• AImmediately raise the alarm over the radio, order all prisoners in the workshop to evacua…
• BGrab a fire extinguisher and try to put out the fire yourself before notifying anyone or…
• CLock all the prisoners in the laundry room to prevent escape while you go find a supervis…
• DIgnore the alarm and tell the prisoners to keep working, assuming it is just a routine dr…

While searching a prisoner's storage locker in the reception area, you see a senior colleague take a packet of cigarettes from a prisoner's property and pocket it. What should you do?

• AFormally report the incident to your supervisor or the prison's integrity team, documenti…
• BConfront your colleague immediately in front of the prisoner and demand they return the c…
• CIgnore it, as cigarettes are a minor item and you do not want to destroy your working rel…
• DAsk your colleague if they can give you a packet as well so you both share the benefit.

A prisoner scheduled for release in two weeks is anxious and asks you how they can find housing assistance, stating they have no family to go to and are worried about being homeless. How should you help them?

• AReassure the prisoner, refer them to the prison's transitional support services, and assi…
• BTell them that finding a place to live is their own responsibility and not the prison's j…
• COffer to let them stay at your spare room for a few weeks until they get back on their fe…
• DTell them that if they commit a minor crime, they can come back to prison where they will…

A prisoner is standing in the doorway of the dayroom, blocking the exit and refusing to let other prisoners leave because they are angry about a lost recreation activity. How should you handle this?

• AInstruct the prisoner clearly to step away from the door, explain the safety risk of bloc…
• BCharge at the prisoner and physically tackle them out of the doorway immediately.
• CLock all the other prisoners in the dayroom with the blocking prisoner until they resolve…
• DOffer them extra recreation time if they agree to move away from the doorway.

While sorting clothes in the laundry room, you find a small plastic zip-bag containing a white powder hidden in the pocket of a pair of prison-issue trousers. What should you do?

• ASeize the bag immediately, secure the area, notify the supervisor, log the incident, and…
• BTaste the powder to see if it is sugar or an illicit drug before making a report.
• CThrow the bag in the trash, assuming it is laundry detergent and not wanting to write a r…
• DConfront the prisoner who was working at the washing machine and accuse them of smuggling…

A prisoner who is known for being a talented artist offers to draw a portrait of your family as a gift, stating they want to show appreciation for your helpfulness. How should you respond?

• ARefuse the offer politely, explain that you are strictly prohibited from accepting person…
• BAccept the drawing, take it home, and hang it up as a reminder of your positive work.
• CAccept the drawing but pay the prisoner in cigarettes or canteen snacks so that it is a f…
• DReport the prisoner for trying to bribe you and place them on a disciplinary report.

A prisoner quietly reports to you that another prisoner in their unit has been demanding their canteen snacks and threatening to assault them if they do not comply. How should you handle this?

• ADocument the report, notify the supervisor, monitor both prisoners closely, and refer the…
• BTell the prisoner to stand up for themselves and fight back if they are threatened.
• CConfront the accused bully in the dayroom and announce that the victim has complained abo…
• DIgnore the report, assuming it is just a minor disagreement over food that they can resol…

You see an aggressive prisoner cornering your colleague in a corridor, shouting at them and holding a heavy metal cleaning bottle in their hand. What should you do?

• AImmediately transmit an emergency alarm over your radio, command the prisoner to step bac…
• BRun to the staff room to get a group of colleagues before calling for help over the radio.
• CWatch the situation from around the corner to see if your colleague can handle it on thei…
• DImmediately draw your baton and strike the prisoner from behind without warning.

A prisoner tries to climb the internal recreation yard fence to retrieve a soccer ball that went over. How should you respond?

• ACommand the prisoner to climb down immediately, explain that climbing fences is a securit…
• BAllow the prisoner to climb the fence as long as they are quick and do not touch the oute…
• CHelp the prisoner climb by holding the bottom of the fence to ensure they do not fall and…
• DIgnore it, as they are only trying to get their ball back and are not trying to escape.

You realize that you accidentally forgot to record a cell search in the electronic security system at the end of your shift on Friday, and you are now off duty for the weekend. What is the correct action?

• AContact the duty supervisor or supervisor on shift to report the search details so they c…
• BDo nothing and log the search next week as if it happened on Monday to keep the records c…
• CIgnore the omission, as cell searches are routine and one missing log is not important.
• DAsk a colleague who is working the weekend to log in using your password and enter the se…

A prisoner tells you they are hearing voices that are telling them to hurt themselves, but asks you not to tell the nurses because they do not want to be put in an observation cell. What is your response?

• AExplain that you must prioritize their safety, immediately contact medical and psychiatri…
• BAgree to keep the secret as long as they promise not to listen to the voices.
• CTell the prisoner that hearing voices is normal in prison and they just need to sleep it…
• DInform the other prisoners in their cell of the situation and ask them to keep it a secre…

A prisoner locks themselves inside their single cell, blocks the window hatch with paper, and threatens to set their mattress on fire if they are not allowed to make an immediate phone call. What should you do?

• ARaise the alarm, summon the emergency response team, prepare firefighting equipment near…
• BOpen the door immediately to rush in and grab the matches before they can start a fire.
• CSlide a phone through the food hatch to comply with their demands and avoid a fire.
• DIgnore the threat, assuming they will not start a fire that would trap them in a small ro…

You see a prisoner walking through the housing unit without wearing their prison identification card, which is a violation of the unit rules. How should you handle this?

• APolitely but firmly instruct the prisoner to retrieve and wear their ID card, explaining…
• BIgnore it, as you know the prisoner's name and do not need to check their card.
• CConfiscate the prisoner's canteen privileges immediately without giving them a chance to…
• DYell at the prisoner in front of others and accuse them of trying to escape.

A colleague asks you for your login credentials for the prison security database, stating their account is locked and they need to check a prisoner's visitor list urgently. How should you respond?

• ARefuse to share your login, offer to look up the visitor list for them under your own sup…
• BGive them your username and password, as they are a trusted colleague and it is an urgent…
• CGive them your login but remind them to log out as soon as they are finished.
• DReport your colleague immediately for a security violation without offering any assistanc…