Which of the following is NOT a step in distributing offender commissary items?

The correct response identifies a practice that does not align with standard procedures for distributing offender commissary items. Allowing an offender to obtain items on credit poses several issues, primarily concerning financial accountability and management within the correctional facility.

Inmate accounts are typically maintained to ensure transparency and accuracy regarding the purchases made by inmates. Each transaction should be recorded, reflecting the actual money that the inmate has available. Allowing credit transactions could lead to confusion, increased potential for disputes over debts, and challenges in managing the correctional financial systems.

In contrast, the other practices listed—counting items in front of the offender, having them sign the commissary sheet, and updating records by debiting the inmate’s account—are all critical steps in maintaining accountability and ensuring that each inmate is properly credited and debited for items purchased. These procedures help prevent theft, errors, and disputes, thereby fostering a more structured environment in the management of offender accounts.