Correctional Officer

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

• Oversees the security and conduct of inmates
• Supervises trustees in performance of routine custodial work
• Processes prisoners for commitment, release, or transfer from detention facilities
• Prepares required records
• Issues clothing to inmates
• Maintains records of inmates and their personal property
• Recommends work assignments for inmates
• Visually and physically inspects inmates and their quarters, for contraband, weapons, or narcotics
• Checks on sanitary conditions and orderliness of quarters
• Promotes acceptable inmate attitude and behavior
• Confers with supervisors and custody-related service providers regarding behavioral and other inmate problems
• Participates in programs designed to prepare inmates for release
• Checks buildings and nearby grounds for irregular circumstances related to possible or attempted escape of prisoners
• Answers telephone inquiries and at the counter inquiries pertaining to jail policies and individual prisoners
• Receives and gives receipts for bail money
• Dispenses prescribed medications to prisoners
• Provides transportation for inmates
• Aids with public safety dispatching
• Prepares written reports
• Other related duties as assigned

Qualifications & Special Requirements

• EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE: A high school graduate or equivalent with one year of public contact experience.
• KNOWLEDGE: Security and emergency procedures; rules, regulations, practices, and procedures in the day-today operation and control of the County jail; modern methods and techniques of discipline as they relate to persons under criminal confinement; inmate supervision techniques, including supervision of special inmates; criminal attitudes and behavioral patterns, and social factors underlying criminal behavior; inmate attitudes and behavior; minority group relations; inmate disciplinary grievance procedures; fire safety; defensive tactics; movement of prisoners; legal responsibilities and liabilities; report writing; collection, identification, and preservation of evidence; judicial procedures; courtroom demeanor and testifying; inmate correctional programs; laws pertaining to local detention and holding areas; care and operation of small firearms and other law enforcement equipment; first aid and CPR.
• ABILITY: To observe, remember, and record events accurately; learn, interpret, and enforce jail rules, regulations, and other policies with firmness, tact, and impartiality; effectively control, direct, and instruct inmates, individually and in groups; speak, read, and write English; understand and carry out oral and written directions; make quick effective and responsible decisions in emergencies and take appropriate action, including physically restraining violent inmates; promote acceptable attitudes and behavior of inmates while in confinement; prepare and present clear and comprehensive written and oral reports; meet and maintain standards of physical endurance and agility; use and care for firearms and other law enforcement equipment; learn and properly use standard broadcasting procedures of a police radio system; work cooperatively with those contacted in the course of work.
• PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Height and weight must be proportionate; hearing normal; vision 20/100 corrected to 20/30; while performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk or hear; the employee is occasionally required to stand and walk; run and jump; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell; the employee must occasionally lift and or move more than 100 pounds; specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus; must have ability to physically restrain violent inmates, walk the housing area, climb stairs, and operate electrical, electronic, and manual mechanisms.