City Detention Officer I - Court & Detention Services (Civil Service

City Detention Officer I

The City Detention Officer I performs jail guard duties by processing and monitoring the prisoners in custody at the Dallas City Detention Center.

Essential Functions

• Processes incoming and outgoing adult prisoners and escorts prisoners to and from assigned cells according to established procedures; searches prisoners for weapons and contraband; processes findings accordingly and maintains an inventory of prisoner personal property.
• Books and fingerprints prisoners according to department guidelines and policies; determines the appropriate housing situation for prisoners entering the system.
• Conducts visual and video-assisted dorm searches; conducts prisoner headcounts and facility inspections to ensure all prisoners are accounted for and the facility is secure; effectively operates metal detectors, fire extinguishers, live scan technology, and other systems, equipment, and software.
• Monitors and observe prisoners' activities to ensure no disturbances occur; subdues and restrains aggressive or violent prisoners using approved methods to ensure the safety and security of staff and prisoners.
• Assists and ensures that prisoners are afforded medical and mental health treatment as deemed necessary.
• Maintains Detention Center logs and writes various reports related to specific incidents at the detention center.
• Maintains cleanliness in cells.
• Performs other work as needed or assigned.

Knowledge and Skills

• Knowledge of state laws pertaining to jail facilities and detention of prisoners.
• Knowledge of fingerprinting techniques.
• Skill in de-escalation techniques and ability to handle angry or irate persons.
• Expert ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Ability to give clear instructions and follow established protocols.
• Ability to draft simple instructions.
• Ability to remain calm and in control in critical situations.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.
• Ability to maintain physical fitness and restrain prisoners.
• Ability to work varying shifts and be available in a twenty-four/seven (24/7) operation, including weekends and holidays.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Education:
  
  High school diploma or GED.
• Experience:
  
  One (1) year of relevant work experience in law enforcement in a municipal or county environment.
• Equivalency:
  An associate degree (or higher) in a criminal justice, business, public administration, or social science field will meet the education and experience requirements.

Licenses and Certifications

• Valid driver's license with good driving record.
• Attend and successfully complete internal training for Detention Officers, both in classroom and on tactical defense.
• Attend and complete annual refresher Detention Officer training.

Other Requirements

• Must be 18 years of age.
• Must pass an intensive background investigation and drug test.
• No Felony or Class A Misdemeanor convictions.
• No Class B Misdemeanor convictions within the last ten (10) years.
• No family violence convictions.
• Cannot currently be on deferred adjudication for any Felony, Class A, or Class B Misdemeanor.
• No outstanding citations or warrants.

Salary Range

$21.67 - $23.60

The salary listed on this job posting is the starting salary range; amount offered will depend upon qualifications.

City of Dallas is an Equal Opportunity Employer.