What should you do if you are unsure about a policy or procedure?

• A. Act on instinct.
• B. Seek clarification from your supervisor or consult the official policy manual before acting.
• C. Ignore the policy if unclear.
• D. Wait for someone else to decide.

Answer: (B)

When you're unsure about a policy or procedure, pause and seek clarification before acting. The best move is to ask your supervisor or consult the official policy manual. This keeps your actions aligned with approved rules, supports safety, and protects you and the facility from mistakes or liability. It also helps everyone handle similar situations consistently.

In a detention setting, policies guide crucial steps like safety procedures, how to handle interactions, and proper documentation. Verifying the policy or getting guidance reduces misinterpretation and ensures you follow the correct process.

If a supervisor isn’t immediately available, rely on written procedures or approved escalation channels and document what you checked and your next steps. Acting on instinct, ignoring policy, or waiting for someone else to decide can lead to unsafe outcomes, policy violations, or delays that create risk.