Detention Deputy; Academy

General Summary

Supervises and maintains custody of inmates and provides security for the Ada County Jail. The incumbent uses personal judgment in the performance of duties and refers unusual, unique, or complex issues to the sergeant for guidance.

• Maintain security and custody of inmates.
• Perform routine security checks, including the perimeter of the building and grounds.
• Preserve and enforce Idaho laws and department jail policies to maintain jail security.
• Process inmates into the jail and assign them to the appropriate level of confinement.
• Receive and maintain inmates' property.
• Forcefully control and restrain actively resisting inmates.
• Work all shifts, including evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays, on an as‑needed or on‑call basis.
• Supervise inmate visitations.
• Supervise the dispensing of food to inmates.
• Supervise inmate and trustee-inmate cleaning of the jail and living quarters.
• Transport inmates to and from necessary locations.
• Maintain eligibility for transfer among all Detention Officer positions and shifts.
• Perform necessary searches for weapons and contraband.
• Keep records and prepare reports.

• May be assigned to special assignments as needed.
• Perform related work as required.

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Must be at least 21 years of age at the time of hire.
• Must be a citizen of the United States.
• Knowledge of English grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
• Ability to supervise and communicate with inmates.
• Ability to hear, listen to, and understand radio transmissions using an earpiece.
• Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing.
• Ability to take criticism and verbal abuse from inmates and visitors without reacting negatively and project an image of self‑confidence and control.
• Ability to subdue and restrain a combative inmate.
• Ability to evaluate and recognize potentially adverse or unsafe situations and react according to department policy.
• Ability to perform the duties of the position without a direct threat to the health or safety of the incumbent or others.

• Must pass a written exam, the POST physical agility test, a polygraph exam, background investigation, medical exam, and a psychological evaluation.
• Must become POST certified as a Detention Officer within one year of employment.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain an Idaho driver’s license.
• This position is safety‑sensitive; the incumbent is subject to random drug testing.

• Most work is performed in and around the jail facility and involves an element of personal danger.
• Requires sufficient physical strength to subdue an inmate during confrontation or to break up a fight between inmates.
• Must be able to remove an unconscious person from the jail in the event of an emergency and hold an inmate attempting to take his or her own life.
• Must be able to use first‑aid and CPR techniques when necessary.

Physical Agility Test and Written Test Required (August/September 2026). A  25 written test fee applies. Interviews will be held the day after testing in Boise, Idaho. Selected candidates will attend the ACSO POST Academy beginning early January 2027, which runs approximately 19 weeks and includes daily physical training.