Detention Officer (Shiftwork Required - Nights, Weekends, Holidays)

About the role

The Detention Officer position requires performing security by maintaining order, providing care, control, and custody of prisoners in the Fort Lauderdale Police Department's Detention Facility. This role is under the immediate supervision of a Detention Corporal.

Responsibilities

• Maintains care, custody, and control over all detainees and prisoners.
• Takes appropriate action to ensure the safety and security of the detainees/prisoners, the public, and other law enforcement/detention personnel.
• Receives incoming prisoners; conducts searches to detect concealed weapons and contraband.
• Captures and coordinates prisoner placement and cell assignment during the intake process.
• Complies with booking and release orders and procedures.
• Maintains accurate counts of detainees/prisoners; maintains complete records and ensures that current information on prisoners is entered into the computerized record information system.
• Secures detention facility keys; receives status and incident reports and special instructions from other detention personnel; follows special instructions from supervisors, and other detention personnel.
• Operates an agency vehicle to transport detainees and adheres to agency policies and procedures in accordance with laws regarding safe vehicle operations.
• Maintains heightened awareness to surroundings and environment in the preservation of life and property.
• Maintains control of emotional reactions and impulses while taking charge of or handling a disagreeable or dangerous situation.
• Applies knowledge of policies and procedures used in the operation of a detention (prison intake) facility including use of restraint devices, deployment of less than lethal force, e.g. (OC, taser) for inmate control.
• Operates a two-way radio, utilizing proper radio etiquette, communication/dispatch codes and signals and officer safety techniques.
• May be required to assist in events, critical incidents, or emergencies.
• Must be available and willing to work days, nights, weekends, and holidays, as needed, to fulfill the 24/7 mission of the unit.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or G.E.D.
• Be at least 18 years of time of application.
• Be a US citizen (U.S. born or naturalized).
• Not have been convicted of any felony or of a misdemeanor involving perjury or a false statement or have received a dishonorable discharge from any of the Armed Forces of the United States.
• Must successfully complete the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Criminal Justice Standards Training Commission (CJSTC) Certification or equivalent, from an accredited academy and comply with the minimum training and standards of an accredited certification institution as recommended by FDLE and CJSTC guidelines.
• Possess or be able to obtain a State Corrections Officer Certification in compliance with Florida Statutes 943.1395.
• Possess or be able to obtain and maintain a valid Florida driver's license within 30 days of employment.
• Must successfully complete a background investigation including polygraph and psychological examination.
• Must be able to work a flexible shift including nights, weekends, holidays and during a state of emergency.

Physical Standards Required to Perform Essential Job Functions

The position involves heavy physical demands, such as exerting up to 100 lbs. of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 lbs. of force frequently, and/or up to 20 lbs. of force constantly to move objects. Must maintain the level of physical conditioning, fitness and endurance needed to perform the duties of the position. Some tasks are performed with potential for intermittent exposure to disagreeable elements including, but not limited to, heat, humidity, inclement weather, loud noise, toxic/chemical agents (oleoresin capsicum- pepper spray), electrical currents, airborne pathogens, violent behavior, and weapons. Be able to perform physically demanding work, typically involving some combination of sitting, standing, walking, reaching, bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and climbing. Additional duties may include running, dragging, pushing, and/or pulling of heavy objects, such as in the event of subduing a detainee resisting control.

How to Apply & Supplemental Information

Applicants who qualify will be subject to an extensive selection process and screening program, which may include, but not be limited to evaluation of training and experience; written test; interview; employment record, background check; medical examination; and drug screen. The expected duration of the selection process varies by position.