Correctional Sergeant State of De. Dept. of Correction Merit

Summary Statement

This is the first line supervisor responsible for supervising and participating in the discipline and security of an assigned post inside and/or outside a secure facility.

• Maintains control of inmates while escorting individuals or groups within the prison.
• Keeps accurate head counts of inmates in the assigned security post.
• Conducts periodic shakedowns of inmates and searches inmates, visitors, employees, cell blocks and/or other structures for such prohibited items as tools, weapons or other contraband.
• Operates manual and electronic locking systems.
• Enforces all rules, regulations and procedures affecting inmate discipline, security and safety.
• Observes inmate activities to detect unusual or prohibited behavior which may be a threat to the security of the facility or the safety of the inmate, other inmates, employees or visitors.
• Ensures inmates conform to proper standards of care as required for the living areas and personal hygiene.
• Maintains the custody of inmates during transport to other institutions and in the community for court appearances or a variety of appointments.
• Prepares and maintains a daily log and routine reports of activities and incidents on the assigned shift using an automated information system to enter, update, retrieve and report on data.
• May be required to train and care for K-9 including feeding, grooming and kennel maintenance.
• May enter institution as backup in riot control and shakedown activities. May participate in the pursuit of escapees.

Applicants must have education, training and/or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas:

• Applicants must have either two years of experience as a Correctional Sergeant OR four years of combined experience as a Correctional Corporal, Correctional Sergeant, OR equivalent experience in the CO/series.
• Three years experience in implementing and applying institutional/departmental rules, policies and procedures.
• Two years experience in preparing, maintaining, and approving complex records, reports and logs using an automated information system.
• One year experience in staff supervision which includes planning, assigning, reviewing, and evaluating the work of others.
• Knowledge of making recommendations on changes to policies, procedures and techniques that improve security.
• Possession of a valid Driver’s License (not suspended, revoked or cancelled, or disqualified from driving).

Applicants may only apply if they are current permanent employees of the State of Delaware Dept. of Correction in a position covered by the Merit System who have completed their initial probationary period.

Incumbents working four or more hours of work between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. the following day will receive 5% shift differential pay.

Appointees other than in-line promotions must successfully complete a Department training course in security and related areas prior to assignment. This course is administered by the Department of Correction at the Employment Development Center and includes physical, classroom and hands‑on training on inmate supervision, defensive tactics, riot control, weapons, report writing and emergency medical training.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. The State of Delaware Executive Branch participates in the Federal E-Verify system where the State will provide the federal government with each new hire’s Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

This position is a classification organized under an exclusive bargaining representative (labor organization) that has been elected by employees as their representative for collective bargaining and other applicable terms and conditions of employment, in accordance with Title 29, Chapter 59 and Title 19, Chapter 13 and 16. This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement based on its individual terms.

To learn more about the comprehensive benefit package please visit our website at (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities in all phases of the application and employment process.

Individuals who use TDD may request auxiliary aid or service by calling  or by visiting

If you need assistance with an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or general applicant support, you may call  or email jobs.

The State of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity employer and values a diverse workforce. We strongly encourage and seek out a workforce representative of Delaware including race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation or gender identity or expression.