Detention Officer

Position Overview

Individuals in this position are responsible for the safety and security of prisoners in and visitors to the City Jail. Work includes booking, supervising, and controlling detainees; enforcement of security rules, regulations and procedures; and the provision of services and information to detainees.

• Receive and book detainees including fingerprinting, photographing and issuing uniforms.
• Collect, inventory and log inmate property at booking.
• Maintain routine operations and security of the jail, including checks to verify all prisoners are accounted for and monitor their location and activity.
• Complete and maintain all arrest and booking reports for all prisoners and persons placed on bond.
• Place prisoners in an assigned jail cell and remove them for release or transportation.
• Arrange for escort to transport to other locations.
• Assure safety and health of prisoners: monitor activity in jail cells, ensure meals, dispense medications, arrange medical care transport as needed.
• Administer intoximeter tests to D.U.I. suspects.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

• High school diploma or equivalent;
  Associate’s degree or related college coursework preferred.
• Law enforcement related training or experience preferred.
• Must have a valid State of Georgia driver’s license.
• Must successfully obtain “Basic Jailer Certification” through Georgia POST within 6 months of employment.
• Must be able to successfully pass and certify in CPR, AED, and Basic First Aid within 6 months of employment.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Knowledge of federal, state and local laws pertaining to inmate sentencing, pretrial conditions, and release, Georgia records retention laws, and policies and procedures for inmate security, classification, care and discipline.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment in routine and emergency situations, work in hazardous and confining environments, deal tactfully and firmly with inmates and the public, prepare and maintain records, maintain effective working relationships, understand and carry out oral and written orders.
• Obtain P.O.S.T. certification (Peace Officer Standard Training) as a “Basic Jail Officer”.

Supervisory Controls
:
This position does not supervise staff.

Guidelines
:
Guidelines include federal, state and local laws and departmental policies and procedures requiring sound judgment and interpretation.

Complexity
:
Work includes observation and accompaniment of inmates inside the cell and City Jail and related care and record keeping. Tactfulness and firmness are required in frequent contacts with violent, suicidal and mentally disturbed inmates.

Scope and Effect
:
The purpose of this position is to ensure the safety and security of prisoners and visitors to the City Jail. Successful implementation results in a safer atmosphere, decrease in inmate conflict and an increase in visitor security.

Personal Contacts
:
With co-workers, law enforcement officers, inmates, other City employees and the public.

Purpose of Contacts
:
Exchange information, resolve problems, provide services.

Physical Demands
:
Strong hand-eye coordination; use of personal computers for logs; climb stairs; move heavy objects via pushing, pulling, crawling through small spaces; kneeling or crouching in small confined areas; lift materials, equipment and persons exceeding 100 lbs; disruption of sleep patterns due to rotation and irregular shift work.

Work Environment
:
Primarily in a detention center but may involve a jail van or other vehicle, exposing incumbent to potentially dangerous people, long periods of sitting and standing. Situations may require physical agility and ability to pull an object weighing 150 pounds 50 feet.

Supervisory and Management Responsibility
:
None.