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Probation Officer
Certification Academy exam
questions (fully solved &
verified for accuracy)
Define Evidence-Based Practice - answer Objective, balance, and responsible use of current research and the best available data to guide policy and practice (supervision) decisions, such that outcomes for probationers are improved. Why are assessment the foundation of EBP? - answer To reduce recidivism, research reveals JII should be assessed to: identify their risk to reoffend (risk); identify criminogenic needs (needs); and determine the most effective mode of intervention (responsivity). What evidence based principle involves matching a probationer's type of treatment to his needs? - answer Responsivity What percentage of medium-high to high-risk probationer's time should be structured? - answer 40-70 percent Name and briefly define the two types of risk factors. Which type can be changed through appropriate interventions? - answer Static Factor Dynamic Factor Static Factor - answer Characteristics of a probationer that are statistically correlated with greater likelihood of recidivism and that are constant or historical and cannot be changed or can only increase; factors such as: age, gender, number of prior arrests, prior convictions, age at first arrest, and alcohol/substance abuse history.
Dynamic Factor - answer Characteristics, statistically correlated with greater likelihood of recidivism that can change through appropriate intervention; factors such as: attitude, substance abuse, anger management. Which type can be changed through appropriate interventions? - answer Dynamic Factor Risk-Need-Responsivity Principle (RNR) - answer - Forms the foundation for everything we do in supervision
- Understanding and applying the RNR principles is key to successful behavior changed and supported by EBP research.
- Risk (Who)
- Need (What)
- Responsively (How) Risk Principle
- Work with moderate and high-risk cases - answer - this principle identifies who we spend the most time with and who receives treatment referrals.
- Risk measures probability to reoffend
- Keep low- risk cases out of intensive programming to avoid interference with existing strengths and or increased association with higher risk individuals
- Risk directly ties to dosage and intensity Need Principles
- Provides Foundations and Focus - answer This principle identifies what and individual should focus on while under supervision
- desired goal is recidivism reduction Responsively Principle
- Guidance on how to provide treatment - answer Responsivity identifies how treatment and interventions should be delivered.
- Secure and keep a complete identification record
- Obtain and assemble information concerning the conduct of persons
- Bring defaulting probationers into court 8 Monitor the payment of restitution Be able to answer questions about the minimum, presumptive, and maximum prison sentences, and probation terms for different classes of offenses. You will be allowed to use the Criminal and Traffic Law Manual, the sentencing chart, and the Arizona Rules of Court to answer these questions. Below you will find some practice questions. - answer Answer A, B, C A. What is the presumptive prison terms for a class 3 felony dangerous first offense? - answer 7.5 years B. For possession of PCP to be considered over the threshold amount, how much PCP must be found in the defendant's possession? - answer 4 grams or 50 milliters C. A person has been convicted of a class 3 felony dangerous offense with two historical priors. What is the maximum term of imprisonment the defendant can receive? - answer 25 years Be able to use the Arizona Criminal and Traffic Law Manual to locate definitions and information on various offenses. Below are some practice questions. - answer Answer A, B A. Where do you find aggravating and mitigating circumstances affecting sentencing? - answer Title 13 (13-701) B. What statute defines a juvenile as a "chronic (felony) offender? - answer Title 13 (13-501) Be able to answer questions about the Rules of Criminal Procedure - answer Answer A, B
A. According to Rule of Criminal Procedure, what must happen to the defendant who was arrested on Sunday at 6 P.M, but didn't appear before a magistrate until Tuesday at 8 A.M because of the Columbus Day holiday break? - answer Rule 4.1 A (Should be immediately release) B. A defendant has been released by order of the court prior to trial and must follow certain conditions; for example, appearing to answer, refrain from committing a new offense, not leave the state, and other conditions. Where is this found? - answer Rule 7.3 (Condition of release) What is the definition of Motivational Interviewing? - answer Motivational Interviewing is a COLLABORATIVE conversation style for strengthening a person's own MOTIVATION and COMMITMENT to change. What are the 4 pillar of the Spirit of MI? - answer Partnership- collaboration between expert (equal power), we create an environment that is conducive for change, but we do not want to be coercive. Acceptance- recognizing the worth and potential of every person. 4 aspect of acceptance:
- Absolute worth: respecting the inherent values and potential of every human being.
- Empathy: understanding and can communicate an accurate understanding of a probationer perspectives and experiences
- Autonomy: accepts and confirms the probationers right to independence and choice
- Affirmation: highlights the positive, seeking and recognizing a probationer strengths and efforts Compassion- is to actively encourage the prosperity of a probationer in all areas of his or her life. Evocation- is where an officer draws out a probationer's own motivation for a specific change. The 4 pillar that encompass the Spirit of MI are referred to as what? - answer Habits Of The Heart
What are the 4 processes in the Method of MI and what happens in each process? - answer Engaging- officer and client establish a cooperative and working relationship. Focusing- officer creates and maintains a specific direction in the conversation about change. Evoking- involves eliciting the clients intrinsic motivation to change. Planning- This process develops commitment to change and formulate a specific plan of actions What are the core skills used to build rapport? - answer O pen ended question - it would not be answered with a yes or no A ffirmation- acknowledging a person strength and effort. R eflections- allows client to re-hear the thoughts and feelings they are conveying in different words and think about them. S ummaries- reflections that collect what the client has said and offering it back. What is the difference between Terminal and Instrumental values? - answer Terminal- is the ending goal Instrumental- is how you get to that goal What is Discord? What does it sound like? - answer -When a probationer begins to defend themselves, the officer should realize there is discord occurring.
- It takes two to blaming, minimizing, justifying. Discord may also sound like:
- blaming -minimizing -justifying What is Sustain talk? - answer Statement that justify their current behavior. The probationer identify why they can't/won't change.
What is Change talk? - answer Statement that favor change. Dilated pupils are characteristic of which drug categories? - answer Ca- cannabis S- stimulants h- hallucinogens What category of drugs exhibit HGN and or VGN? - answer Central Nervous System depressant, Dissociative Anesthetics, and Inhalants. Dilated pupils, rapid speech and increased energy are characteristic of what drug category? - answer Stimulant Constricted pupils, slow speech, and lack of HGN/VGN describes which drug category? - answer Narcotic Which categories of drugs are HGN/VGN not present? - answer Stimulant, Hallucinogens, Narcotics, and Cannabis What is the term to describe the point at which the brain has adapted to the effect of the drug, decreasing the rewards of using, and cravings take over? - answer Increased Tolerance Principles of Drug Abuse Treatment: A. Which principle(s) relates to the concept of responsivity? - answer 2. No single treatment is appropriate for everyone
- Effective treatment attends to multiple needs of the individual, not just his or her drug abuse. Principle of Drug Abuse Treatment: B. Which principle relates to the use of graduated responses to address noncompliant behavior regarding substance use? - answer 11. Treatment does not need to be voluntary to be effective.
are more likely to adopt behavior and beliefs that are negative and unhealthy.
- When we understand it we act compassionately take well informed step to wellness. Trauma- is common but experienced uniquely due to its many variations in form and impact Stress- optimal levels of positive stress can be healthy but that chronic or extreme stress has damaging effects. Reactions- Many trauma reactions are adaptive but that some resulting behaviors and beliefs may impede recovery and wellness. Recovery- trauma can be overcome effectively through accessible treatment, skills, relationships and personal practice. Protective Factors - answer Are individual or environmental characteristics, conditions, or behavior that reduce the effects of stressful life events. These factors also increase an individuals ability to avoid risks or hazards and promote social and emotional competence to thrive in all aspects of life, now and in the future. List 4 examples of Protective Factors. - answer 1. Close relationships with competent caregivers or other caring adults.
- Socioeconomic advantages and concrete support for parents and families.
- Parent resilience and support.
- Positive social connections and prosocial involvement.
- Communities and social systems that support health and development and nurture humans.
- Identifying and cultivating a sense of purpose (faith, culture, identity). What was the major ruling regarding immunity in the Acevedo case? - answer A probation officer has absolute immunity when acting under the direction of the judge when performing a function.
If you are driving a county or state car the state will provide auto liability coverage if you meet what criteria? - answer You are within the course and scope of employment while driving a state or county car:
- on authorized state business
- to and from work
- to and from lunch on a workday
- outside the area of regular employment on authorized state business
- at any other specifically state-authorized time outside regular hours. List 3 examples of not being within the course and scope of employment while using your private vehicle. - answer 1. To and from work
- To and from lunch in the area of employment and not on authorized state business.
- on other that state-authorized business. What is the maximum liability coverage for Arizona probation officers under the state's risk coverage? - answer There is no upper limit of coverage for probation officers under Arizona's risk coverage. What are the key points to proving third party liability? - answer The officer had a duty to warn and Procter; a foreseeable victim and foreseeable harm (injury)
- 3 parties needs to occur: PO, Probationer & Victim What are the 4 most common areas for third-party liability lawsuits against probation officers in Arizona? - answer Sex offenses Drug & Alcohol related offenses Domestic Violences Mental health issues What are the recommended approach to avoid liability? - answer Know the statutes, rules, & policies
- If you are testifying as an expert be prepared to reconcile or distinguish you opinion from differing school of thought.
- Don't close yourself off from supplying additional details.
- Don't be rushed
- Don't argue with the attorney
- If the question call for a yes or no answer, answer it yes or no if possible
- Be prepared to answer hypothetical questions calling your opinion
- Do not answer a question after an objection has been made, wait until the judge says you may answer or a new question is put to you To preserve their right to receive notification of proceeding against a probationer, victims must: - answer Opt-In
- Filling a request form
- Update phone number and address What is the victim's right regarding reading of the resentence report? - answer ARS 13- If the resentence report is available to the defendant the court shall permit the victim to inspect the resentence report except those parts exercised by the court or made confidential by law. A copy should be provided to the victim. According to ARS 13-4415 the victim is entitled to receive notice of which post conviction proceeding? - answer - Any proposed modification to any term of probation if the modification affects restitution or incarceration status or the defendant's/delinquent's contact with or the safety of the victim.
- The victim's right to be heard at a hearing that is set to consider any modification to be mad to any term of probations.
- Any violation of any term of probation that result in the filling with the court a petition to revoke probation
- That a petition to revoke probation alleging that the defendant absconded from probation has been filled with the court
- Any conduct by the defendant that raises a substantial concern for the victim's safety
When are compact rules triggered? - answer Relocate: means to remain in another state for more than 45 consecutive days in any 12 months. Your probationer asked to apply for an interstate compact transfer, but you don't think it should be permitted. What should you do? - answer Say no transferring via the compact is a privilege not a right. When must the receiving state submit a violation report to the sending state for a probationer? - answer Within 30 days Which rule prevails when a state rule and an interstate compact rule conflict with each other? - answer The rules promulgated by the compact have the full force and effect of federal law. All member states of the compact are obligated to enforce and comply with these rules. Which state is responsible for victim notification when a probationer is transferred to another state? - answer The sending state When must a sending state initiate procedures to notify a victim in the state of the request to transfer the supervision of a probationer? - answer Within 1 business days of the issuance of reporting instructions or acceptance of transfer by the receiving state. What is the main difference for the receiving state under ICAOS (Interstate Commission for Adult Offender Supervision) between mandatory and discretionary transfers? - answer Mandatory transfer of supervision- an offender shall be eligible for transfer of supervision to a receiving state under the compact, and the receiving state shall accept transfer Discretionary transfer of supervision- The receiving state shall have the discretion to accept or reject the transfer of supervision in a manner consistent with the purpose of the compact. What is a possible consequence for the sending state if a probationer commits offenses in the receiving state? - answer Sending state may be requested to retake the offender
Revocation arraignment (Time Frame) - answer Rule 27.8 (A) No more than 7 days after service of a summons or initial appearance Violation Hearing (Time Frame) - answer Rule 27.8 (B) 7 to 20 days after the revocation arraignment This hearing determines whether a probationer violated a condition or regulation.
- Violation must be established by a preponderance of the evidence Disposition Hearing (Time Frame) - answer Rule 27.8 (C) 7 to 20 days after a determination that violation occurred The court may revoke probation, modify it, or continue it as it was. The court cannot revoke probation as a result of a violation if the probationer has not received a written copy of the conditions of probation. What standard of proof must a PO have to petition the court for a revocation of probation? - answer Rule 27. Reasonable cause to believe that a probationer has violated a written condition or regulation of probation. What burden of proof does the court use to established a violation of probation occurred? - answer Rule 27.8 B (3) Preponderance of the evidence Which document is normally the most useful aid to the trial judge for sentencing purpose? - answer Pre-sentence report The court report is the only detailed information available on the defendant for the judge to use in making case decisions. What is a collateral interview and why are they used? - answer - A collateral interview or contact occurs whenever the probation officer has a meaningful interaction with someone other than the probationer
- The probationer is not a collateral
- Verify statements of the probationer
- Assess progress of probationer
- Gather information regarding probationer
- Identify problems
- Maintain support What information does an assessment provide and how is this information useful to probation officers? - answer It measures offenders criminogenic risk factor and specific needs that if addressed will reduce the likelihood of future criminal activity. Who are the parties involved in completing the Frost? - answer Probation officer and Probationer What is the benefit to using the scoring guide to score the OST/FROST? - answer Leads to accuracy in scoring and consistency in validation of the instrument. What is the time frame for completing an OST assessment? - answer At the time of Pre-sentence interview or Within 30 days of Sentencing What is the time frame for completing a FROST? - answer Every 12 months or Upon discovery of significant changes in criminogenic risk and needs or continued criminal conduct What is the behavioral Analysis? - answer The Behavioral Analysis (BA) is an assessment that provides the officer and JII information needed to identify specific targets (high-risk situations, people, places, things, and thoughts) that increases that individual's risk of getting into trouble.
What are the three branches of government? - answer Judicial Branch - Drafts and promulgates the law Legislative Branch - Signs into law creating the statutes Executive Branch - Also, enforces, interprets, and applies the laws. Which branch of Arizona government interprets and applies laws related to probation? - answer Judicial Branch Which branch of Arizona government interprets and applies laws related to community supervision (parole)? - answer Executive Branch What is the difference between probation and community supervision (parole). - answer Probation is suspended sentence Community Supervision is the second part of a prison sentence. Of the three court Jurisdiction in Arizona: A. Which one primarily hears misdemeanor cases? - answer Limited Jurisdiction
- Justice courts and Municipal courts (hear misdemeanor, civil, and criminal cases, some initial appearance for felonies) Of the three court Jurisdiction in Arizona: B. Which one is the highest court with the power to hear appeals? - answer Supreme Court
- Highest court (appellate and administrative responsibilities) Of the three court Jurisdiction in Arizona: C. Which one has general jurisdiction over probation matters? - answer Superior Court
- Court of general jurisdiction (statewide jurisdiction)
- Probation officers are employed by the Superior Court.
Of the three court Jurisdiction in Arizona: D. Which one hears appeals from Superior Court cases? - answer Intermediate Appellate Court
- hears appeals of Superior Court cases Which court has jurisdiction over felony offenses committed by Native American: A. Off the reservation - answer Superior Court
- Felonies are usually handled through the Superior court. Which court has jurisdiction over felony offenses committed by Native American: B. On the reservation - answer Federal Court
- Felony crimes occurring on the reservation are handled through federal courts. Which court has jurisdiction over misdemeanor offenses committed by Native American: A. Off the reservation - answer Limited Jurisdiction Court
- Misdemeanors and traffic offenses. Which court has jurisdiction over misdemeanor offenses committed by Native American: B. On the reservation - answer Tribal Court
- Misdemeanors involving tribal members. Which branch of government are you employed by? - answer Judicial Branch What is the burden of proof at a preliminary hearing and trail for new offense? - answer Preliminary Hearing - if it appears from the evidence that there is probable cause to believe that an offense has been committed and that the defendant committed it, the magistrate shall
