Detention Officer

About the role

This position is designated as safety-sensitive. Random Drug/Alcohol Test: Yes.

Responsibilities

• Conducts daily inspection and maintenance of housing units and facilities to ensure proper security.
• Performs security and direct supervision duties within inmate housing units to maintain custody and control the activities of inmates; remains constantly alert for prisoner disruptions such as escape planning, fighting, thefts, suicide attempts, and other prohibited activity.
• Maintains a complete and accurate count of all inmates and their locations within the facility; conducts an updated count of inmates and unit checks periodically throughout shift.
• Orients inmates to housing units ensuring all inmates understand facility rules.
• Maintains schedules for inmates allowing exercise times, meals, showering, class attendance, medical visits, unit cleaning, laundry exchange, mail delivery, and visitation at appropriate times; documents inmates’ activities and movements within the facility.
• Covers surveillance, unit searches, and shakedowns to locate and confiscate any fabricated weapons and contraband; inspects and inventories all cleaning products, tools, equipment, bedding, clothing, and medical equipment.
• Prepares written incident reports documenting rule violations, offenses, or unusual events; testifies at disciplinary hearings and in court as needed.
• Completes daily and weekly jail reports, inmate activity reports, incident reports, court lists, and correspondence with the courts; inputs information into the computer system.
• Responds to emergencies such as fights, hostage incidents, riots, and incidents involving aggressive and combative inmates; uses force in restraining inmates as needed.
• Provides security for medical staff during the distribution of medicine and physical examinations.
• Receives and searches incoming inmates; reviews admission forms for completeness and accuracy before booking inmates; completes paperwork for admittance and enters inmate information into computer; fingerprints and photographs inmates; transmits fingerprints to other law enforcement agencies.
• Performs required screenings, collection, and inventory of property; ensures inmates are showered, dressed in issued clothing, and given unit supplies and identification badges.
• Transports inmates to appropriate areas in the facility such as medical clinic, classes, library, and barbershop; maintains security at all times and ensures departmental rules and regulations are enforced.
• Makes sure facility operation from within the central control room by the operation of technical equipment such as cameras, door lock controls, etc.
• Supervises inmates assisting with the preparation of food, removal of trash, cleaning the facility, and laundering uniforms, bedding, and towels.
• Serves as a law enforcement instructor conducting jail minimum standards training classes for new recruits; develops curriculum, visual aids, and class material for additional classes; coordinates guest speakers as needed; assesses recruits’ progress through the instructional classes; must complete the required training and obtain a certification as a CLEST Instructor if placed on this assignment.

Requirements

• Considerable knowledge of federal, state, and local statutes, ordinances, and regulations regarding the detention of inmates.
• Good knowledge of correctional and detention methods, practices, and procedures.
• Considerable knowledge of departmental policy and procedure.
• Good knowledge of direct supervision techniques and methods.
• Good knowledge of human behavior and modification techniques.
• Good knowledge of self-defense methods and techniques.
• Skill in the operation of and data entry into a computer.
• Skill in the operation of photography and fingerprinting equipment.
• Skill in the operation and care of weapons and firearms as required by the department.

Qualifications

• Completion of high school or GED equivalency;
• Some experience working with law enforcement or corrections;
• Any equivalent combination of experience or training which provides the required skills, knowledge, and abilities.

Skills

• Ability to read and interpret court orders and other legal documents.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other Pulaski County employees, other law enforcement agencies, and the general public.
• Ability to observe and monitor behavior to determine compliance with laws, codes, and regulations.
• Ability to communicate effectively with individuals from a variety of socioeconomic, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds.
• Ability to maintain custody of prisoners in a direct supervision environment effectively and safely.
• Ability to conduct searches of inmates, personal property, and buildings.
• Ability to interview inmates in order to obtain information and resolve conflicts and disputes.
• Ability to write clear and concise reports.
• Ability to analyze emergency situations calmly and effectively to determine the appropriate course of action.
• Ability to maintain detailed and accurate records and documentation.
• Ability to work a flexible shift assignment schedule.
• Ability to attend work regularly and reliably.

Benefits

N/A

Pay

$ 52,221

Schedule

Variable Shift