What rule should be followed during an inmate count to avoid distractions?

During an inmate count, maintaining accuracy and focus is crucial to ensure all individuals are accounted for correctly. Stopping the count if movement occurs and starting over prevents distractions that could lead to miscounts or errors. This approach emphasizes the need for a controlled environment during the counting process where any variables, such as movement, can introduce confusion or lead to mistakes.

By halting the count when there is movement, officers can ensure that they have a clear and undistracted view of the inmate population, allowing for a more accurate headcount. This method not only safeguards the integrity of the counting process but also reinforces the importance of an orderly environment for the safety and security of the facility.

Other options may introduce complications or distractions that can compromise the count's accuracy. For instance, allowing for movement could lead to an incomplete count, counting only during mealtime limits the counting times and may not reflect the number of inmates accurately, and using multiple officers might cause coordination issues and distractions if not managed properly. Hence, the best practice is to maintain focus by pausing the count in the event of any movement.