Brown County Jail - Correctional Officer

About the Role

Performs work involving the care, safety, custody, and detention of adults and juveniles in the Brown County Jail and, if qualified, the Juvenile Detention Center. Provides a positive rehabilitative influence to all inmates, ensures inmate compliance with Jail rules, and ensures officer compliance with all applicable state and federal laws. Operates within the parameters of Brown County Jail and Juvenile Detention Center policies and procedures. Pay raises are provided within the first seven years of employment.

Responsibilities

• Provide effective and efficient inmate care during assigned shift and pod location.
• Respond to and intervene in emergencies within the facility, such as officer distress, inmate medical issues, or disturbances.
• Use proper force to control non-compliant inmates when justified.
• Apply communication and de-escalation techniques to prevent disturbances, facility damage, and assaults.
• Conduct searches on individuals, cells, and areas to prevent contraband (weapons, drugs, etc.) from entering the facility.
• Gather evidence, take crime scene photos, and record statements from victims and witnesses to build criminal cases for incidents within the facility.
• Perform rescue operations during fire emergencies, including donning SCBA, conducting searches in smoke/fire-filled environments, removing inmates from danger, and suppressing fires using extinguishers or hoses.
• Obtain information from the public and prisoners for booking-related forms, documents, and records.
• Collect and account for personal property, including money, issue receipts, and store items until inmate release.
• Perform accurate data input for jail records and review/enter court documentation to ensure accuracy.
• Follow up with Courts or Court Officers on issues found in court documentation.
• Answer inquiries regarding departmental policies or refer them to the appropriate department or official.
• Obtain photos and fingerprints of incarcerated persons as required by statutory regulations.
• Maintain security and discipline in the Jail and Juvenile Detention Center.
• Supervise meal delivery and issue cleaning materials and other supplies as necessary.
• Maintain surveillance of all inmates within the Jail and Juvenile Detention Center.
• Administer first aid and secure medical assistance for inmates when required.
• Assign, supervise, and inspect work of adult and juvenile inmates within the facility and on outside duties.
• Investigate illegal or criminal activities within the Jail and Juvenile Detention Center.
• Supervise movement of inmates and distribute inmate medication while maintaining accurate records.
• Conduct searches and daily inspections of living quarters.
• Protect inmates from peer intimidation and physical confrontations.
• Conduct routine inspection and maintenance of Jail equipment.
• Collect DNA samples from inmates as assigned.
• Perform all other duties as directed by competent authority.

Requirements

• Knowledge of agency department policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of federal and state laws applicable to jails and secure detention facilities, including care, treatment, and security programs.
• Knowledge of techniques and positions for inmate control and precautionary measures used in escorting and supervising inmate work details.
• Knowledge of rules and regulations governing secure detention facilities, including Wisconsin Department of Corrections Administrative Codes 350, 348, and 346.
• Ability to understand inmate behavior, interpersonal relations, and social interactions.
• Knowledge of methods and practices of jail security.
• Ability to defend themselves and others from physical assault.
• Ability to physically control the behavior of combative or assaultive inmates.
• Ability to recognize dangerous behaviors prior to a physical assault.
• Ability to work in confined spaces.
• Ability to quickly remove an inmate from dangerous situations and supervise immediate evacuation during emergencies such as fires.
• Ability to serve as a positive role model for inmates and provide effective direction and supervision.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective customer service relationships with staff and the public.
• Ability to adapt to changing procedures as they apply to different sections and classifications of inmates within the jail.
• Ability to communicate and respond effectively to both oral and written instructions.
• Ability to work required hours, including mandatory overtime.