Detention Officer Cadet; Entry Level - Registry

JOB SUMMARY

Maintain safety and security of inmates, staff and detention facilities, provide custody and control of inmates, preserve order and discipline, and supervise inmates according to Pinal County Sheriff's Office Adult Detention Center policies and procedures, state and federal regulations under basic supervision. Entry/Trainee position under close supervision.

• Maintain custody and control of inmates according to policies, procedures, and regulations, perform work within scope of authority and training, and make proper decisions using sound judgment.
• Maintain safety and security of staff, inmates, and detention facilities; monitor inmate behavior, promote acceptable attitudes and conduct, and perform tasks to maintain integrity and consistency of detention facility operations.
• Supervise inmate activities, maintain continuity and discipline, physically restrain uncooperative and disruptive inmates, intervene to avert fights, assaults, riots, and escapes, and solve problems within scope of authority.
• Provide equal protection and care for all inmates, including nutrition, hygiene, education, court and hospital transport, recreation, laundry, clothing, housing, medical assistance, behavior monitoring, and social interactive discipline.
• Monitor inmates for rule violations and behavioral changes, de‑escalate potentially violent situations, and maintain appropriate use‑of‑force as needed.
• Perform constant inspections and security checks of all facility areas, conduct head counts and area searches, and assure all areas of the facility are safe, secure, sanitary, and free of contraband.
• Conduct body and cell searches for contraband and inventories, maintain accountability for keys, equipment, tools, and supplies, and account for inmates under direct vision and supervision at all times.
• Report and investigate disciplinary and behavioral issues and violations of inmate housing and facility rules.
• May perform special duties, including Disciplinary Hearing Officer.
• Assure that the facility and equipment are maintained in clean and effective operating order.
• Enforce local, state, and federal laws and enforce compliance with post orders and standards.
• Update files, records, and event logs, maintain appropriate records, and prepare reports as required.
• Work with other state and regional law‑enforcement agencies on inmate issues.
• Maintain the integrity, professionalism, values, and goals of the Sheriff's Office.
• Maintain absolute confidentiality of work‑related issues, customer records, and restricted county information.
• Perform other related duties as required.

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Minimum age eighteen (18) years.
• Arizona residents must have a valid Arizona Driver’s License upon hire; new residents must have one within 30 days of hire.
• Must pass a thorough background investigation.
• For ACJIS users: must pass background investigation and re‑investigation every five years.

• Additional technical training and certifications as directed by the Sheriff or designee.

• Position requires direct inmate contact and rotating shifts.
• Must attend and successfully complete an 11‑week Detention Officer Academy and a Field Training program.
• TB skin test required within first ten days of employment and annually thereafter.
• Employment contingent upon successful completion of criminal background check and verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications.

• Knowledge of Sheriff's Office policies, standard operating procedures, state and federal regulations governing inmate management.
• Knowledge of behavior patterns of incarcerated persons and use‑of‑force rules.
• Knowledge of inmate control techniques, hazardous materials, first aid, CPR, and record‑management principles.
• Skill in interpreting laws and regulations, making decisions under stress, and working effectively in emergency situations.
• Ability to remain alert, react quickly and calmly, mediate difficult situations, and communicate with inmates and colleagues.
• Ability to operate weapons, handcuffs, locks, keys and chemical agents safely.
• Ability to operate a personal computer and software applications.
• Ability to work alternating schedules, weekends, holidays, and be subject to call‑out.
• Ability to work long shifts and mandatory overtime.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.