Deposits should be recorded according to what policy?

• A. Inmate policy
• B. Public policy
• C. Local practice
• D. Department policy

Answer: (D)

The key idea is using the official rules that govern how money and deposits are handled in the facility. Deposits should be recorded according to department policy because it provides the formal, standardized procedures staff must follow for processing and documenting deposits. This covers who is authorized to handle deposits, how the amounts are logged, how receipts are issued, where records are stored, and how reconciliations with inmate ledgers are done. Following department policy ensures consistency across shifts and facilities, reduces the risk of errors or misappropriation, and creates an auditable trail for audits and investigations. Inmate policy deals with inmate rights and behavior, not the accounting process; public policy is too broad and external, and local practice can vary and lead to inconsistencies. The department policy is the official, enforceable standard that applies to all deposits.