What is the purpose of surprise counts in cage reconciliation?

• A. Surprise counts detect irregularities that routine counts may miss
• B. Surprise counts are scheduled monthly
• C. Surprise counts slow operations
• D. Surprise counts replace routine counts entirely

Answer: (C)

Surprise counts are used to catch discrepancies that routine counts may miss. When counts happen on a fixed schedule, staff could anticipate them and potentially adjust records or cash to hide errors. Performing counts without advance notice verifies cash and chip totals in real time and acts as a strong deterrent against misstatements or theft. They work alongside routine counts, not as a replacement, and they’re not tied to a predictable monthly schedule. Any brief interruption to operations is a byproduct, not the purpose.