Detention Officer

Join the Front Line of Justice:
Become a Detention Officer with the Fulton County Sheriff's Office!

Fulton County has engaged the WHALLS GROUP to lead the recruitment process for the position of Detention Officer. All submitted applications will be reviewed directly by the WHALLS GROUP.

• Purpose-Driven Work:
  Every day, you’ll help maintain safety, order, and dignity within our detention facilities. Your role is critical to justice and rehabilitation.
• Strong Community Roots:
  Join a team that’s deeply committed to serving Atlanta and Fulton County with integrity, professionalism, and respect.
• Elite Training:
  Receive comprehensive, paid training that prepares you for success — whether you're new to corrections or looking to advance your career.

• Supervise and monitor inmate activities
• Ensure inmate and facility safety and compliance
• Conduct inspections, searches, and complete incident reports
• Support rehabilitation and reentry efforts

• Competitive Salary with the opportunity to earn overtime
• Robust Health Coverage (medical, dental, vision)
• Retirement Plan with 8% of your salary contributed by Fulton County
• Paid Vacation, Holidays, and Sick Leave
• Career development programs
• Uniforms, free meals, free parking

• Promotion pathways to Sergeant, Lieutenant, and beyond
• Opportunities to transfer into specialized units (K-9, Investigations, Court Services)
• Leadership development and mentorship programs

• High school diploma or GED
• Be at least 20 years of age
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Integrity, resilience, and a commitment to public service
• Ability to pass background checks and physical assessments

• All applicants must agree to and successfully pass a background investigation, drug screening and polygraph to be considered for employment with the Fulton County Sheriff's Office.

Specific License or Certification

Required:

Must complete and maintain Basic Jail Officer Certification in addition to CPR and First Aid. Must possess and maintain a valid Georgia driver's license within 30 days of becoming a resident.

Must successfully pass the minimum Physical Fitness/Agility standards and testing for running, sit-ups, and push-ups administered by the Fulton County Sheriff's Office. If requested, must submit to a psychological profile test. Must possess a valid Georgia Driver's License at the time of appointment. Must be at least twenty (20) years of age. Must conform to the following qualifications as required by the Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Act:
Be a citizen of the United States;
Have a high school diploma or its recognized equivalent (G.E.D.);
Not have been convicted by any state or the federal government of any crime, the punishment for which could have been imprisonment in a federal or state prison or institution; nor have been convicted of sufficient misdemeanors to establish a pattern of disregard for the law, provided that, for the purposes of this paragraph, violations of traffic laws and other offenses involving the operation of a motor vehicle when the applicant has received a pardon shall not be considered;
Be fingerprinted and a search made of local, state, and national fingerprint files to disclose any criminal record;
Be of good moral character as determined by established standards and procedures;
Have an oral interview with the hiring authority or designated representative(s) to determine applicant’s appearance, background, and ability to communicate;
Be found, after examination by a licensed physician of the Fulton County Health and Wellness Department, to be free from any physical, emotional, or mental conditions which might adversely affect exercising the powers or duties of a peace officer; and Successfully complete a job related academy entrance examination provided for and administered by the council in conformity with state and federal law.

Such examination shall be administered prior to entrance to the basic course provided for in Code Sections §35-8-9 and §35-8-11. The council may change or modify such examination and shall…