Detention Officer

Employees in this class perform inmate intake, detention care, release, and limited transportation work in accordance with established policies and procedures. Work includes the observation and accompaniment of inmates internal to and external of the detention centers, insurance of proper care and completion of record-keeping requirements. Employees may be assigned to nay work area within the facility and are subject to rotation of work areas and shifts. Patience and firmness are required in frequent contacts with violent, suicidal, and mentally unstable inmates. Work is performed under the direct supervision of the Detention Center Sergeant on the assigned shift and is evaluated through observation.

Receives inmates and conducts searches for contraband; completes required intake forms; and secures personal property.

Acts as a processing officer by maintaining inmate information, verifying the completion of necessary forms; assigning appropriate cell location; determining inmate classification; and maintaining inmate count and cell locations; transports inmates.

Oversees the security and activities of inmates; supervises meals and cleaning of facilities; distributes personal property; monitors inmates’ medical status and takes action when inmates are ill or injured.

Provides non-confidential inmate information to the public, attorney, and bond personnel; maintains files on inmates; searches incoming property delivered to inmates; verifies visitor acceptance by inmate.

Releases inmates on bond due to court order or time served; ensures release papers are proper and complete; returns personal property to individual; completes forms providing required documentation of release.

 Supervises cleaning and maintenance of center facilities and fixtures.

Conducts perimeter checks; monitors surveillance devices for inmate activity and incoming personnel.

Prepares inmates for transport as needed.

Assigns tasks to inmate trustees (cleaning, trash removal, etc.); searches them prior to re-entering the dorm area.

Enforces rules of conduct, security, and labor standards by verbal admonishments for minor deviations or by making verbal or written reports of significant violations or irregularities to supervisors.

Checks on sanitary conditions, fire and safety hazards such as unsafe tools, electrical cords, lighting conditions, etc.

Answers questions from inmates, staff, and the general public.

Performs related duties as required.

Some knowledge of the security, rules, regulations and procedures of the institution.

Some knowledge of the practices of modern penology as related to the supervision and care of persons under institutionalized restraint.

Ability to enforce institutional rules firmly and fairly.

Ability to detect potential behavior problems of inmates.

Ability to detect the early symptoms of common health problems.

Ability to carry out oral and written directions accurately.

Ability to supervise the activities of large groups of inmates

Ability to prepare records and reports.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates.

High school diploma and minimal experience working in law enforcement or corrections, or equivalent combination of training and experience.

Must possess a valid North Carolina driver’s license upon hire.

Must complete Taser training, Pepper Spray training, Firearm training, ASP Baton training, obtain CPR certification and Detention Officer certification within one year of employment.