Practical Exercises & Assessments

Below is an expanded Practical Exercises & Assessments guide that includes a Questionnaire Section with 10 decisive questions for each DHS division, along with a suggested scoring system. These quizzes help gauge cadets’ theoretical knowledge and readiness to join their chosen division.

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Practical Exercises & Assessments (Expanded)

This document outlines:

1. Drills and Scenarios to test practical knowledge and skills (already covered).

2. Division-Specific Questionnaire to evaluate theoretical understanding.

3. Scoring System & Passing Threshold for the questionnaire portion.

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1. Recap of Practical Drills (Summary)

• Traffic Stop & Vehicle Search Drill

• Checkpoint Setup & Crowd Control Scenario

• Tactical Engagement & Breach (TRT-Oriented)

• Emergency Response & Medical Aid (OEM-Oriented)

• Intelligence Gathering & Surveillance (OIA-Oriented)

1.1. Traffic Stop & Vehicle Search Drill

• Objective: Evaluate a cadet’s ability to conduct a routine traffic stop, communicate with a driver, and perform a basic vehicle search.

• Key Focus Areas:

  1. Approach and Positioning – Maintaining cover and safe distance.

  2. Communication – Clear instructions and professional demeanor.

  3. Search Procedures – Checking the vehicle systematically and lawfully.

  4. Safety & Situational Awareness – Monitoring surroundings and suspect behavior.

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1.2. Checkpoint Setup & Crowd Control Scenario

• Objective: Test the cadet’s skill in setting up roadblocks, managing a checkpoint, and dealing with crowds.

• Key Focus Areas:

  1. Equipment Use – Proper deployment of cones, barriers, and signs.

  2. Civilian Interaction – Polite and effective communication with pedestrians, drivers, or demonstrators.

  3. Order Maintenance – Recognizing potential threats, de-escalating conflicts, and using non-lethal options when necessary.

  4. Team Coordination – Working cohesively with fellow cadets and following the chain of command.

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1.3. Tactical Engagement & Breach (TRT-Oriented)

• Objective: Assess the cadet’s ability to operate in a high-risk environment—useful for specialized teams like TRT or other tactical divisions.

• Key Focus Areas:

  1. Entry Techniques – Proper breaching methods, room clearing, and threat identification.

  2. Command & Control – Effective radio communication and following orders during intense operations.

  3. Use of Force – Appropriate force escalation, distinguishing between lethal and non-lethal responses.

  4. Safety Protocols – Avoiding friendly-fire incidents, preserving hostages/civilians, and handling suspects properly.

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1.4. Emergency Response & Medical Aid (OEM-Oriented)

• Objective: Gauge the cadet’s readiness to respond to natural disasters, accidents, or public emergencies.

• Key Focus Areas:

  1. Hazard Assessment – Evaluating the scene for ongoing dangers (e.g., fire, structural collapse).

  2. Basic First Aid – Stabilizing injured individuals until professional medical teams arrive.

  3. Evacuation Procedures – Coordinating safe exit routes and guiding civilians to designated shelters.

  4. Inter-Agency Collaboration – Working with local fire, EMS, or other DHS divisions under stressful conditions.

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1.5. Intelligence Gathering & Surveillance (OIA-Oriented)

• Objective: Test cadets on covert information-gathering, surveillance, and data collection methods.

• Key Focus Areas:

  1. Discretion – Maintaining a low profile, avoiding detection while monitoring targets.

  2. Note-Taking & Reporting – Collecting and summarizing relevant intelligence in an organized manner.

  3. Legal Compliance – Respecting privacy laws and procedures (Miranda, warrants, etc.).

  4. Team Coordination – Collaborating with teammates to cover multiple angles and share intel effectively.

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2. Grading Rubrics & Performance Benchmarks

Each exercise is evaluated against specific criteria to ensure consistency. Below is the common rubric framework used by instructors across all DHS Academy drills.

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2.1. Evaluation Categories

1. Professionalism

   • Appearance & Conduct: Proper uniform, respectful demeanor, and adherence to the Code of Conduct.

   • Communication: Clarity, tone, and the ability to manage public interactions or coordinate with team members.

2. Technical Skill

   • Weapon Handling: Safe operation, correct usage, and firearm discipline (holstering, reloading, etc.).

   • Equipment Usage: Correct deployment of cones, barriers, breaching tools, medical kits, etc.

   • Vehicle Management (if applicable): Handling official vehicles responsibly, activating sirens or lights appropriately.

3. Situational Awareness

   • Threat Detection: Identifying potential dangers quickly and accurately.

   • Environment Assessment: Recognizing hazards, escape routes, or any relevant environmental factors.

   • Decision-Making: Rapidly choosing the best course of action under pressure.

4. Procedure Compliance

   • Use of Force: Proper escalation levels and justifiable use of non-lethal or lethal force.

   • Legal Adherence: Reading Miranda rights if required, obtaining warrants or permissions when needed, and respecting privacy boundaries.

   • Chain of Command: Following orders from superiors and delegating tasks appropriately to subordinates.

5. Teamwork & Leadership

   • Coordination: Cooperating effectively with fellow cadets or other agencies.

   • Delegation & Support: Assigning roles, providing cover, and assisting teammates when necessary.

   • Conflict Resolution: Mediating disputes or tensions within the group effectively.

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2.2. Scoring System

A typical scoring or rating might be on a 1–5 scale, with 1 indicating “Needs Improvement” and 5 indicating “Excellent/Exceeds Expectations.” Specific divisions may add specialized criteria, but the baseline remains consistent Academy-wide.

Score	Description
1	Needs Improvement
2	Below Average
3	Meets Expectations
4	Above Average
5	Excellent/Exceeds Expectations

Instructors may provide written feedback alongside numerical scores to clarify performance strengths and areas for improvement.

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2. Division-Specific Questionnaire

Each division has a 10-question quiz covering legal, procedural, and situational knowledge relevant to that division. Cadets must pass the quiz to demonstrate they understand the division’s fundamental responsibilities and protocols.

2.1. Federal Protective Service (FPS)

1. Question 1: What is the primary mission of the Federal Protective Service?

2. Question 2: Which types of federal buildings or properties is FPS primarily responsible for securing?

3. Question 3: True or False: FPS Agents may conduct routine patrols within federal courthouses and offices to deter threats.

4. Question 4: Which standard issue sidearm(s) are FPS Agents typically authorized to carry?

5. Question 5: In a federal building evacuation drill, list three key responsibilities of an FPS Agent.

6. Question 6: Describe the protocol for handling a suspicious package or item found in a federal building.

7. Question 7: When should FPS Agents coordinate with local law enforcement?

8. Question 8: What type of uniform (Class A or Class C) do FPS Trainee Agents wear?

9. Question 9: Scenario: You discover an unauthorized individual wandering near a restricted area in a federal facility. What are your immediate actions?

10. Question 10: Give one example of how an FPS Agent can use non-lethal methods to de-escalate a volatile situation.

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2.2. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

1. Question 1: What is ICE’s main role in the enforcement of immigration laws?

2. Question 2: Name two types of investigations or operations ICE typically conducts.

3. Question 3: Explain the difference between a routine detention and a formal arrest under ICE protocols.

4. Question 4: Which vehicle and livery are authorized for ICE agents?

5. Question 5: True or False: ICE can conduct workplace inspections for undocumented workers without any legal documentation or warrant.

6. Question 6: What is the process for reading Miranda Rights to a suspect under ICE custody?

7. Question 7: In the event of an immigration raid, how should ICE agents coordinate with other DHS divisions (e.g., CBP, OSO)?

8. Question 8: Name at least one non-lethal option ICE agents might use during enforcement operations.

9. Question 9: Describe a situation where lethal force might be justified under ICE’s use-of-force policy.

10. Question 10: Scenario: An individual claims asylum upon being detained. Outline the immediate steps an ICE agent should take.

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2.3. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)

1. Question 1: What is CBP’s primary mission regarding border security?

2. Question 2: Explain the difference between a primary inspection and a secondary inspection at a border checkpoint.

3. Question 3: Which standardized vehicle and livery are assigned to CBP agents?

4. Question 4: True or False: CBP Agents must always read Miranda Rights to every traveler crossing the border.

5. Question 5: Name two non-lethal methods CBP agents can use for crowd control at border crossings.

6. Question 6: What types of contraband are CBP agents trained to detect during inspections?

7. Question 7: Describe a scenario in which CBP would coordinate operations with ICE.

8. Question 8: What are the recommended steps for handling a high-speed pursuit that heads toward a border checkpoint?

9. Question 9: How does a CBP Agent handle seized items (e.g., narcotics or undeclared firearms) before transferring them to evidence storage?

10. Question 10: Scenario: A traveler arrives without proper documents but claims refugee status. Outline the initial CBP response protocol.

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2.4. Secret Service (SS)

1. Question 1: What is the Secret Service’s primary protective function?

2. Question 2: Besides executive protection, name one other investigative area the Secret Service handles.

3. Question 3: True or False: Secret Service Agents routinely operate under the 2020 Flacon Utility with a dedicated SS livery.

4. Question 4: What kind of communication protocols are essential during a motorcade operation?

5. Question 5: Outline the steps to secure a perimeter for a visiting dignitary.

6. Question 6: Give an example of how the SS might coordinate with local police for event security.

7. Question 7: Which non-lethal and lethal weapons are authorized for SS Agents?

8. Question 8: Describe the role of a Special Agent in Charge during a high-profile protection detail.

9. Question 9: How should SS Agents handle a suspected threat in a crowd before it becomes critical?

10. Question 10: Scenario: An unidentified person jumps a barricade during a VIP speech. What immediate actions should an SS Agent take?

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2.5. Office of Intelligence & Analysis (OIA)

1. Question 1: What is OIA’s principal function within DHS?

2. Question 2: True or False: OIA personnel typically wear standard DHS Class C uniforms to maintain a visible presence.

3. Question 3: Why is discretion critical for OIA field operations?

4. Question 4: What type of livery and vehicle are used by OIA for undercover work?

5. Question 5: Name one common method of intelligence gathering OIA relies on.

6. Question 6: Which role is specifically trained to handle covert surveillance—Intelligence Officer or Senior Analyst?

7. Question 7: Explain the importance of properly handling classified information within OIA.

8. Question 8: Describe how an OIA agent might assist ICE or CBP in a joint operation.

9. Question 9: What are the legal ramifications of failing to Mirandize a suspect before interrogation in an OIA operation?

10. Question 10: Scenario: You intercept a potential terrorist plot. Outline the immediate steps in the intelligence reporting chain.

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2.6. Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)

1. Question 1: What two main areas of security does CISA focus on?

2. Question 2: True or False: CISA conducts physical security inspections in addition to cyber threat analysis.

3. Question 3: Which role specifically addresses Infrastructure Protection versus Cybersecurity Operations?

4. Question 4: Explain why patch management and system updates are crucial for cyber defense.

5. Question 5: Give one example of how CISA might collaborate with OSO or CTD.

6. Question 6: Which non-lethal weapons are CISA Specialists authorized to carry?

7. Question 7: How should a CISA Specialist respond to a suspected data breach in a federal database?

8. Question 8: Describe a scenario where Infrastructure Specialists must coordinate with OEM during a natural disaster.

9. Question 9: Why is consistent shift logging important for cyber threat monitoring?

10. Question 10: Scenario: A major government website is hit by a suspected DDoS attack. Outline the immediate steps you’d take to secure the network.

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2.7. Tactical Response Team (TRT)

1. Question 1: What is the primary mission of the TRT within DHS?

2. Question 2: List three specialized items TRT Operators might have access to (beyond standard DHS gear).

3. Question 3: True or False: TRT exclusively uses the Burkate vehicle with the TRT livery.

4. Question 4: Why is communication and clear command structure essential during a tactical breach?

5. Question 5: Describe the difference between a high-risk warrant service and a hostage rescue scenario.

6. Question 6: Name two lethal and two non-lethal weapons that TRT might deploy in an operation.

7. Question 7: Explain how TRT coordinates with local SWAT teams or other federal agencies during joint raids.

8. Question 8: What are the basic safety checks every Operator must perform before starting a tactical operation?

9. Question 9: How does the concept of “minimal force necessary” still apply in a TRT context?

10. Question 10: Scenario: During a raid, you encounter a barricaded suspect with hostages. Outline your immediate priorities and steps.

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2.8. Office of Emergency Management (OEM)

1. Question 1: What types of incidents does OEM primarily respond to?

2. Question 2: Name three critical tasks OEM must perform during a natural disaster.

3. Question 3: True or False: OEM focuses solely on recovery and does not engage in any preventative measures.

4. Question 4: How does OEM coordinate with local agencies (fire, EMS, police) during a crisis?

5. Question 5: List two items of essential gear for an OEM Emergency Specialist.

6. Question 6: How should OEM handle resource allocation (food, water, medical supplies) during a large-scale emergency?

7. Question 7: Describe the importance of establishing a command center (EOC) in major disasters.

8. Question 8: When is it necessary for OEM to declare a formal state of emergency?

9. Question 9: Why is mental health support a key consideration for OEM teams and affected civilians?

10. Question 10: Scenario: A hurricane is expected to hit a major coastal city. Outline the immediate steps OEM should take to prepare.

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2.9. Office of Security Operations (OSO)

1. Question 1: What is the core responsibility of the OSO?

2. Question 2: True or False: OSO focuses on internal building security but does not have authority over external threats.

3. Question 3: Which uniform are OSO Trainee Security Officers required to wear?

4. Question 4: Describe a daily routine patrol OSO might conduct in a government facility.

5. Question 5: How does OSO coordinate with FPS or SS when hosting VIPs at federal buildings?

6. Question 6: What is the standard operating procedure for responding to an active shooter alert inside a federal complex?

7. Question 7: Name one example of a high-priority security check OSO might implement.

8. Question 8: Which non-lethal options are available for OSO officers during suspect confrontations?

9. Question 9: When should OSO request backup from a specialized unit (TRT, for example)?

10. Question 10: Scenario: Security cameras reveal a suspicious individual loitering in a restricted hallway. Outline your immediate response steps.

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2.10. Counterterrorism Division (CTD)

1. Question 1: What is CTD’s overarching mission within DHS?

2. Question 2: True or False: CTD primarily handles domestic terrorism cases, leaving international threats to other agencies.

3. Question 3: Name two investigative methods CTD might use to identify terrorist threats.

4. Question 4: How does CTD coordinate with OIA or the Secret Service for intelligence sharing?

5. Question 5: What is the recommended approach when dealing with a potential sleeper cell or radicalized group?

6. Question 6: Which specialized vehicles or gear might CTD officers use for covert operations?

7. Question 7: Explain the process of deciding when to involve the Tactical Response Team (TRT) in a CTD operation.

8. Question 8: Why is maintaining the chain of evidence crucial in terrorism-related investigations?

9. Question 9: Describe how CTD would handle a tip about a possible bomb threat in a public area.

10. Question 10: Scenario: You’re monitoring a suspect believed to be planning an attack. Outline the immediate investigative steps before making an arrest.

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3. Questionnaire Scoring System

1. Point Allocation:

   • Each question is worth 1 point. Each division’s quiz has 10 questions, so the total possible score is 10 points per division quiz.

2. Passing Threshold:

   • A minimum score of 7 out of 10 is typically required to pass.

   • Divisions with higher security demands (e.g., TRT, SS, CTD) may set an internal policy requiring 8 out of 10.

3. Remedial Action:

   • Scoring below the passing threshold triggers a review session with an instructor or division lead. Cadets must retake the quiz after additional study.

   • Persistent failure may result in reassignment or extension of the Academy training period.

4. Recognition & High Scores:

   • Cadets who score 9 or 10 out of 10 may receive special commendations or early promotion potential within that division.

   • Exceptional performance in both the practical drills and questionnaire can lead to advanced training opportunities.

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4. Integrating Theory and Practice

• Immediate Feedback: Instructors should review quiz answers with cadets, clarifying misunderstandings.

• Scenario Alignment: Encourage cadets to connect their quiz knowledge with the practical drills—for instance, referencing how a “traffic stop” question might tie into actual field exercises.

• Continuous Improvement: Remind cadets that knowledge is never static—staying updated on policy changes, new technology, or amended regulations is a constant requirement in DHS work.

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5. Final Notes

These division-specific questionnaires ensure that each cadet not only masters the general DHS protocols but also gains deeper insight into their chosen specialty. Balancing hands-on drills with written or bot-based quizzes allows instructors to assess competence from multiple angles, leading to a well-rounded DHS force prepared to handle diverse challenges.

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