Detention Officer

Class Title: Detention Officer (The position of detention officer is not a civil service position)

Department: Public Safety

Division: Police

Starting pay: $8.76/Hour ($18,229.97/yearly)

Illustrative Examples of Work

  • Care and custody of inmates
  • Booking and searching prisoners upon admittance
  • Maintaining proper security including patrol of jail facility and periodic counts of inmates
  • Maintaining proper order and decorum among inmates
  • Supervising inmates in following proper procedures of personal hygiene
  • Seeing that inmate quarters and areas for which inmates are responsible are kept in a sanitary and wholesome condition
  • Issuing supplies to inmates
  • Checking all packages, incoming mail and outgoing mail of inmates
  • Supervising work details of inmates in their quarters or other areas to which they may be assigned
  • Supervising rehabilitative activities
  • Reporting infractions of rules and unusual occurrences
  • Preparing inmates for court and for release
  • Conveying or assisting in the movement of inmates
  • Supervising visitation of inmates
  • Preparing reports
  • Administering simple medications as prescribed
  • Performing such other duties as may be assigned by supervisor

Knowledge. Abilities and Skills

  • Some knowledge of first aid methods and techniques. Ability to understand and effectively carry out oral and written instructions
  • Good physical condition with no disabling defects and physical strength to handle physically or mentally ill inmates. Ability to maintain control of inmates
  • Ability to act quickly in emergency situations
  • Ability to influence and control the conduct and personal habits of inmates
  • Ability to command respect
  • Must have good power of observation
  • Ability to work effectively, efficiently and harmoniously with others

Desirable Experience

  • Experience involving the care of custody of inmates, such as prison guard or matron or military guard
  • High school graduate or G.E.D. equivalent
  • Future training in jail operations