Detention Officer

JOB TITLE:  Detention Officer

DEPARTMENT/DIVISION:  Police

REPORTS TO:  Detention Supervisor

 SUMMARY:  Responsible for providing care and custody of detainees to include booking, finger printing, videotaping, and testifying in court. Work is performed with limited supervision.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Prepares and maintains legal documents and files on prisoners detained in the City jail, which includes: initiating booking procedures; gathering a variety of intake information on prisoners, including medical histories; inputting charges into applicable database; preparing paperwork for submittal to the Judge; photographing and fingerprinting prisoners; running criminal histories; providing Officers with warrant information; searching prisoners; and/or, performing other related activities.
• Supervises the behavior of prisoners in holding and jail cells, ensuring the safety and security of the jail.  
• Works among contained prisoners.
• Performs a variety of activities in support of jail house operations, which may include:  washing and issuing blankets, shoes, and mats; preparing simple meals for prisoners; escorting prisoners to arraignment proceedings before the Judge; monitoring cameras; answering telephones; and/or, performing other related activities.
•  Performs a variety of administrative support activities, which may include: maintaining a variety of records and logs; answering telephones; monitoring video surveillance; maintaining the entry and exit of the jail area; providing customer service at the public window; completing bond forms; sending teletypes to external agencies; and/or, performing other related activities.
• Provides testimony during court hearings as required.
• Drives a prisoner transport van to and from county jail facilities.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY/BUDGET RESPONSIBILITIES:

• None.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of customer service principles;
• Knowledge of recordkeeping principles and practices;
• Knowledge of filing techniques;
• Skilled in handling multiple tasks simultaneously;
• Skilled in operating modern office equipment;
• Skilled in mitigating hostile situations;
• Skilled in keyboarding;
• Skilled in reading, interpreting, applying, and explaining rules, regulations, policies, and procedures;
• Skilled in maintaining sensitive and confidential information;
• Skilled in operating a computer and related software applications;
• Skilled in communicating effectively with a variety of individuals.
• Must be able to work twelve (12) hour shifts including evenings nights and weekends.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• High School Diploma or G.E.D.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• One year of related experience (e.g. administrative, customer service, security, jailer).
• Must obtain CPR, First Aid, NCIC/TCIC Certifications within one year.

PREFERENCES:

• None.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Frequent balancing, reaching, sitting, standing, walking, stooping, kneeling, crouching, talking, seeing, hearing, smelling, and manual dexterity.
• Occasional lifting and carrying of over 100 pounds. Work is typically performed in a jail setting.
• Exposure to fumes, airborne particles, infectious diseases, criminal suspects, and prison inmates.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

• Must pass pre-employment drug screening.
• Must pass pre-employment physical exam.
• Must pass extensive background check and criminal history investigation.
• Must pass pre-employment polygraph examination.
• Must pass pre-employment psychological examination.
• Must pass criminal history check.
• Must pass motor vehicle records check.