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