Corrections Officer- Metropolitan Detention Center

Location: 100 Deputy Dean Miera Dr SW, Albuquerque, NM • Pay: $22.37/hour

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; enforcing laws and departmental regulations that apply to detention corrections, and performing a variety of duties related to assigned areas of responsibility.

Responsibilities

• Assist in searching, booking, fingerprinting, and photographing inmates, and other procedures involved in the initial processing of inmates.
• Coordinate arrangements for bond, legal representation, and personal assistance for inmates; schedule court appearances.
• Maintain order and report unusual conditions, policy violations, disturbances, or indications of potential disorder to superiors.
• Patrol designated areas of the detention facility, control traffic to and from assigned areas, maintain security, and inspect the facility to ensure the safety and security of inmates.
• Take periodic resident counts in detention levels, work details, and other inmate holding areas; account for inmates under supervision.
• Provide or arrange for personal grooming of inmates and supervise sanitation practices.
• Administer emergency first aid if necessary; refer inmates to medical assistance, psychiatric service units, 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.
• Transport inmates and supervise inmate work details and community custody programs as required.
• Maintain logs and write reports as required by policy and standard operating procedures.
• Respond to public inquiries in a courteous manner; provide information within the area of assignment and resolve complaints efficiently and timely.

Requirements

• High School diploma or GED; OR have met the requirements of the MDC Lateral Entry Program.
• One (1) year of experience in corrections or law enforcement is desirable.
• Must possess and maintain a valid New Mexico driver’s license (out-of-state hires must obtain one within 30 days).
• Must be 18 years or older by the start of the Corrections Officer Training Academy (no upper age limit).
• Must be a United States citizen or permanent resident and provide an Alien Registration number if applicable.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of and 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, 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.

Skills

• Skill in performing basic computer functions.
• May require 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 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 rationally and act effectively; remain calm 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

• Must pass a written and oral psychological examination, drug screen, and physical examination.
• Must meet minimum vision and hearing standards:
  • Vision acuity no worse than 20/30 (corrected) or 20/200 (uncorrected) in either eye.
  • Must quickly distinguish between red and green (LED indicator lights or computer icons), red and yellow (key-ring markers), and red, orange, blue, white, and yellow inmate uniforms.
  • Must identify inmate classification by color-coded uniforms.
  • Average hearing level at 500, 1000, and 2000 Hz not to exceed 25 dB in either ear (aided or unaided); no single level to exceed 30 dB at these frequencies.
  • Hearing loss at 3000 Hz not to exceed 40 dB HL in either ear (aided or unaided).
• Must comply with Bernalillo County safety guidelines.
• Must pass the physical agility test and maintain fitness-for-duty status by testing yearly.
• Must successfully complete the Corrections Department probationary period and MDC Training Academy.

Benefits

• Generous leave accruals.
• Career development opportunities.
• Remote and flex-work options as appropriate.
• Longevity pay.
• Education assistance program.
• Comprehensive health benefits.
• Lucrative retirement plan.

Schedule

Shift work is required.

Working Conditions

• The majority of essential duties are performed indoors in a temperature-controlled environment; outdoor duties may be required and expose the worker to natural weather conditions.
• May be exposed to intermittent noise, vibration, fumes, odors, contagious diseases, and potentially hostile or dangerous situations.
• Indoor surfaces are typically even (carpeted or tiled) and dry; outdoor surfaces may be even or uneven, wet or dry, and may involve stairs, ladders, inclines, or hills.
• Work hazards include high stress, operation of a vehicle, and exposure to physical confrontations.

Equipment, Tools, and Materials

• Administrative duties: telephone, computer, fax machine, typewriter, photocopier, pager, two-way radio.
• Security duties: restraint equipment, mace, weapons (as assigned).
• Safety duties: first aid equipment, oxygen, fire extinguishers, and other safety equipment.
• Operates a county vehicle as assigned.
• Materials handled include forms, reports, writing utensils, and basic office supplies.

Mental Functions

• Must ask questions of supervisors and follow verbal directions in English.
• Must communicate orally and in writing with superiors, subordinates, co-workers, and the public.
• Must read and understand written directions in English.
• Must write reports and narratives using correct punctuation, spelling, and grammar.
• Must speak effectively before groups using correct English.
• Must understand ratios, proportions, percentages, and possess basic math and computer skills.
• Must plan and direct the work of others and own work.
• Must use tact and courtesy in working with diverse individuals, sometimes under tense or extreme circumstances.
• Must possess good judgment for quick action in emergencies.
• Must adapt to performing a variety of duties, often changing tasks without loss of efficiency or composure.
• Must understand and apply knowledge of Corrections Department policies and County ordinances.
• Must analyze situations to take effective and reasonable courses of action.
• Must analyze hazardous situations rationally and act effectively; remain calm under stress.

Physical Functions

• Must stand/walk for up to eight hours per day with periodic breaks.
• Must sit for up to eight hours per day with periodic breaks.
• Must sprint in pursuits and run for over two minutes, including over uneven terrain and up/down stairs.
• Must kneel, crouch, crawl, jump, vault, and pull self over obstacles as needed.
• Must enter, drive, and exit a vehicle, including during pursuits.
• Must bend at the waist, reach, twist/rotate waist frequently when performing duties.
• Must drag, push, lift, or carry victims to safety as required.