Detention Officer

General Statement of Duties

Employees in this class perform inmate intake, detention care, release, and limited transportation work in accordance with established policies and procedures. Work includes the observation and accompaniment of inmates internal to and external of the detention centers, insurance of proper care and completion of record-keeping requirements. Employees may be assigned to any work area within the facility and are subject to rotation of work areas and shifts.

Duties And Responsibilities/Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Receives inmates and conducts searches for contraband; completes required intake forms; and secures personal property.
• Acts as a processing officer by maintaining inmate information, verifying the completion of necessary forms; assigning appropriate cell location; determining inmate classification; and maintaining inmate count and cell locations.
• Transports inmates.
• Oversees the security and activities of inmates; supervises meals and cleaning of facilities; distributes personal property; monitors inmates’ medical status and takes action when inmates are ill or injured.
• Provides non-confidential inmate information to the public, attorney, and bond personnel; maintains files on inmates; searches incoming property delivered to inmates; verifies visitor acceptance by inmate.
• Releases inmates on bond due to court order or time served; ensures release papers are proper and complete; returns personal property to individual; completes forms providing required documentation of release.
• Supervises cleaning and maintenance of center facilities and fixtures.
• Cleans perimeter checks; monitors surveillance devices for inmate activity and incoming personnel.
• Prepares inmates for transport as needed.
• Sets up tasks for inmate trustees (cleaning, trash removal, etc.); searches them prior to re-entering the dorm area.
• Enforces rules of conduct, security, and labor standards by verbal admonishments for minor deviations or by making verbal or written reports of significant violations or irregularities to supervisors.
• Checks on sanitary conditions, fire and safety hazards such as unsafe tools, electrical cords, lighting conditions, etc.
• Answers questions from inmates, staff, and the general public.

Desirable Education and Experience

• A high school diploma and minimal experience working in law enforcement or corrections, or equivalent combination of training and experience.

Other Information

• Must possess a valid North Carolina driver’s license upon hire.
• Must complete Taser training, Pepper Spray training, Firearm training, ASP Baton training, obtain CPR certification and Detention Officer certification within one year of employment.
• Franklin County offers a competitive benefits package designed to encourage and support your health, well-being and productivity.
• Benefit options include medical and dental insurance; elective supplemental insurance options such as short-term disability, vision, and voluntary term life; local government retirement; 401(k) with a 4% employer contribution (no employee match required); generous paid leave that includes 13 county-observed paid holidays per year; an employee wellness program inclusive of a county sponsored gym and an employee assistance program.

Benefits Summary

For more information about Franklin County benefit options please click here.