Corrections Officer- Metropolitan Detention Center

About the role

Under the direction of a higher level supervisor, responsible for maintaining custody and control of inmates in the metropolitan detention/corrections system; for enforcing laws and departmental regulations that apply to detention corrections, and a variety of other duties related to assigned areas of responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Aid in the searching, booking, fingerprinting and photographing of inmates, and other procedures that are involved in the initial processing of inmates.
• Coordinate arrangements for bond, legal representation and for personal assistance for inmates; schedule court appearances.
• Maintain order and report unusual conditions, policy violations, disturbances or indication of potential disorder to superiors.
• Patrol designated areas of the detention facility, control traffic to and from assigned areas, maintain security and inspect facility to ensure the safety and security of inmates, work details, and other inmate holding areas; account for inmates under his/her supervision.
• Provide or arrange for personal grooming of inmates and supervise sanitation practices.
• Administer emergency first aid if necessary; refer inmates to medical assistant; psychiatric service unit and/or counselors.
• Participate in fire and safety drills, lockdown incidents and related emergency situations.
• Participate in the discharge process of inmates, issuance of clothing and transportation arrangements.
• May be required to transport inmates, and to supervise inmate work details and community custody programs.
• Maintain logs and write reports as required by policy and standard operating procedures.
• Respond to public inquiries in a courteous manner; provide information within area of assignment; resolve complaints in an efficient and timely manner.

Requirements

• High School diploma or GED.
• One (1) year experience in the field of corrections or law enforcement is desirable.
• Valid New Mexico driver's license and maintain a valid NM driver's license while employed in this position.
• Must be 18 years of age or older by the start of the Corrections Officer Training Academy.
• Must be a United States Citizen or a permanent resident and must provide an Alien Registration number.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills And Abilities (ksa's)

• Knowledge of and the experience in the operations, services and activities of a corrections and detention program.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of the criminal justice system, law enforcement, modern booking procedures, corrections and detention theory and practice.
• Knowledge of correctional institution security and inmate security practices, occupational hazards and standard safety practices.
• Knowledge of pertinent federal, state, and local codes, laws, and regulations and the ability to interpret and apply them.
• Ability to apply knowledge of laws, regulations and procedures concerning safety, security and corrections operations.
• Skill in performing basic computer functions.
• Skills in the use and care of weapons, including firearms.
• Ability to develop skills in restraint and self-defense tactics.
• Ability to develop skills in the techniques of obtaining information through interrogation, investigations, and corrections observation.
• Ability to apply first aid, CPR and related emergency practices and techniques.
• Ability to analyze hazardous situations in a rational, mature and confident manner to act effectively; to remain calm and effective under stressful situations.
• Ability to prepare clear and concise administrative reports.
• Ability to read, interpret, enforce, apply and explain corrections laws, regulations, policies and procedures.
• Ability to communicate and interact effectively and professionally with superiors, other officers, department personnel and the general public.

Additional Requirements

• Pass background and interview requirements.
• Attend and pass written and oral psychological examination, drug screen and physical examination.
• Meet minimum vision and hearing standards as identified in the medical screening form for Corrections Officers.
• Meet physical agility test and maintain a fitness for duty status by testing yearly.
• Complete the Corrections Department probationary period and MDC Training Academy.
• Successfully complete the physical and mental demands analysis.

Working Conditions

• Shift work is required.
• The majority of essential duties are performed indoors in a temperature-controlled environment.
• Outdoor duties are sometimes required in performance of essential duties and worker is exposed to natural weather conditions while performing outdoor duties.
• Worker may be exposed to intermittent noise and vibration, a variety of fumes and odors, contagious diseases and potentially hostile and dangerous situations.
• Indoor working surface is even and may be carpeted or tiled.
• Indoor surfaces are typically dry and may involve the use of stairs.
• Outdoor surface may be even or uneven and may be wet or dry.
• Outdoor duties may involve the use of stairs or ladders and may be performed on inclines or hills.
• Outdoor surfaces may include natural ground, asphalt, or concrete.
• Worker may perform duties with or without directions from a supervisor.
• Worker may perform duties alone, or as part of a select team.
• Work hazards include high stress level of job, operation of a vehicle.

Equipment, Tools and Materials

• Typical equipment includes the telephone, computer, telefax machine, typewriter, photocopy machine, pager and two-way radio.
• Utilizes security equipment, restraint equipment, and mace as necessary, and weapons based on assignment.
• Utilizes first aid equipment, oxygen, fire extinguishers and other safety equipment on an as needed basis.
• Operates a county vehicle as assigned.