Detention Officer

Responsibilities

• Provides correction services involving the health, safety and security of inmates and the public in a county corrections facility or program. Monitors prisoners’ activities and maintains necessary records.
• Applicants with temporary Jailer License or inactive License will be automatically disqualified as per Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Rule until they have completed all licensing and training requirements for that position or completing reactivation process.
• May book, classify, transfer, transport and/or release inmates with attention to the health, safety and security of other officers, inmates and the public.
• Conducts inspections, shakedowns and inmate searches.
• Does physical check of inmates and the public.
• Completes, checks and processes official papers and documents.
• Conducts safety inspections and inspections of fire equipment and apparatus.
• Provides informal counseling to inmates.
• Assists medical staff with distribution of medications to inmates.
• Intervenes and resolves crisis situations such as fights and medical emergencies.
• Conducts head counts of inmates.
• Conducts and inventories all keys and equipment from previous shift.
• Serves or supervises the serving of meals to inmates.
• Supervises work performed by inmates.
• Assists with personal needs of inmates, such as telephone calls, mail, laundry, visits and commissary.
• Monitors and assists visitors and may maintain visitors’ list.
• Keeps records of incidents and activities during shift.
• May be assigned to conduct recreational programs for inmates.
• May be assigned to train new officers in procedural aspects of the job.
• May be assigned to transportation and court security duties, including transportation of inmates to other local, state and federal penal institutions.
• May confiscate, inventory and store property from new inmates and release property to outgoing prisoners.
• May respond to inmate request forms.
• May be involved in organizing church services, GED classes, substance abuse classes and fire drills.
• Handles and cares for dogs involved in narcotics investigation.

• Graduation from a high school or equivalent (GED).
• Bilingual (Spanish and English) with the ability to converse fluently in both languages.
• Regular attendance.

• Applicant must, at the time of appointment to the position, meet the minimum age requirement for Basic Certification as a Jailer from the Texas Commission of Law Enforcement (TCOLE).
• Applicant must, within one (1) year of appointment to the position, obtain and thereafter maintain a Basic Certification as a Jailer from the Texas Commission of Law Enforcement (TCOLE).
• Must have a current valid Texas motor vehicle operator’s license.
• Must be able to be insured by the County’s insurance carrier.
• Knowledge of laws, departmental policies, rules, regulations, instructions and correctional literature regarding the custody of persons.
• Ability to understand and follow oral instructions.
• Ability to write clear and concise reports and to maintain complete records as required.
• Ability to meet established physical standards.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other County employees and officials, inmates and the public.
• Employee may be assigned other duties in addition to those listed and duties may change according to changing needs of department.