Detention Officer Captain

Location: Surprise, AZ • Full-time • Non-Exempt/Hourly • On-site • Pay: $42.09/hr ($37.00 base + $5.09 health & welfare benefits)

About the role

In this role, you will oversee detention security operations and supervise detention personnel responsible for maintaining the safety, security, and orderly operation of the detention facility. You will provide leadership, operational oversight, and guidance to detention officers and supervisory staff while ensuring compliance with government detention standards, facility procedures, and security protocols. This position requires strong leadership abilities, sound judgment, decision-making skills, and the ability to manage emergency situations, staff performance, and daily detention operations within a secure detention environment.

Responsibilities

• Supervise detention officers, sergeants, and assigned security personnel during daily detention facility operations and shift activities.
• Monitor housing unit operations, resident movement, security procedures, and operational activities to ensure compliance with government detention standards and facility policies.
• Conduct inspections of housing units, operational areas, security equipment, and staff performance to identify safety concerns or operational deficiencies.
• Respond to emergencies, disturbances, security incidents, medical situations, and resident behavioral issues while coordinating appropriate response procedures and staff assignments.
• Review incident reports, disciplinary documentation, activity logs, resident records, and operational reports for accuracy, completeness, and compliance.
• Coordinate staffing assignments, shift coverage, emergency response planning, and operational scheduling activities for detention personnel.
• Train and mentor detention officers on security procedures, emergency protocols, resident management techniques, and operational standards.
• Investigate security incidents, policy violations, resident complaints, and operational concerns while implementing corrective actions as necessary.
• Coordinate with medical personnel, transportation teams, behavioral health staff, facility leadership, and outside agencies regarding resident operations and security matters.
• Ensure accountability of security equipment, restraints, keys, radios, emergency gear, and operational resources assigned to detention personnel.
• Support audits, inspections, compliance reviews, emergency preparedness activities, and operational assessments conducted by facility leadership or outside agencies.
• Maintain professionalism, leadership, strong communication, and sound decision-making while supporting safe, secure, and efficient detention facility operations.

Requirements

• Minimum of seven (7) years of experience as active-duty military, detention/corrections, or law enforcement.
• Five (5) years of supervisory experience within detention/corrections or law enforcement.
• Proof of citizenship or legal US work authorization.
• If prior active-duty military, copies of DD214(s) showing discharge condition.
• Consent to fingerprinting.
• Proficient in reading, writing, speaking, and understanding English.
• At least 21 years of age.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Clean criminal record and ability to pass a comprehensive background check and security screening.
• Ability to pass a preemployment medical assessment and drug screening.
• Excellent communication, observation, and report-writing skills.
• Ability to remain calm and effective under pressure and in high-stress situations.
• Ability to work flexible shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Work Environment

Employees may be exposed to extreme cold or hot weather conditions, fumes, or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, and loud noise.

Physical Requirements

Employees may be required to remain in a stationary position, stand, push, pull, climb, kneel, crawl, balance, squat, bend, and reach. Employees may also be required to use gear to move items around, including carts and dollies. Occasionally required to lift and/or move up to 49 pounds.