Detention Officer

Detention Officer – Overview

The Alamance County Sheriff’s Office is actively recruiting qualified candidates for the Detention Officer position. This role involves performing a wide range of law enforcement duties related to the care, custody, and supervision of individuals housed in the Alamance County Detention Center. Detention Officers play a vital part in maintaining facility safety and security, preventing and detecting criminal activity, and upholding the criminal laws of North Carolina.

Responsibilities include general jail operations, ensuring the well‑being of inmates and staff, and maintaining order within the facility. Successful candidates must demonstrate professionalism, sound judgment, and the ability to interact with the public and inmates with tact, courtesy, and firmness. The position involves exposure to the typical risks associated with law enforcement environments.

Work is performed under the general supervision of the Sheriff and designated supervisory staff. Performance is evaluated through daily reports, supervisory conferences, and the overall effectiveness of security practices and policy compliance within the detention center.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable Accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Accept custody of offenders from the arresting officers and book offenders into the detention center by completing required forms and utilizing the jail management system.
• Demonstrate excellent computer skills and the ability to learn new systems.
• Obtain and maintain certifications applicable to the position.
• Possess excellent report‑writing skills.
• Verify the identification of persons in custody and check for outstanding warrants.
• Escort offenders throughout the detention center.
• Use discretion effectively to determine a proper course of action consistent with the department’s mission and values.
• Report to duty on time and maintain regular attendance.
• Exercise rational judgement.
• Maintain the confidence and trust of peers, superiors, and the public.
• Exhibit excellent communication skills and work well with others.
• Answer phone calls and provide information to bondsmen, families, attorneys, court officials, and other law enforcement personnel.
• Adjust to a fast‑paced environment.
• Answer questions directed by the public in a courteous and professional manner.
• Observe and monitor the status and behaviour of offenders to ensure compliance with prescribed operating and safety standards.
• Detect hazardous or emergency situations in the detention facility and assist in handling combative, uncooperative, and argumentative offenders.
• Carry out any or all other duties as directed by the Sheriff or his designee.

• Must be at least 20 years of age.
• Possess a high school diploma or a General Education Degree (GED).
• Hold a valid North Carolina driver’s license.
• Currently hold or be able to obtain a detention officer certification in the State of North Carolina through the North Carolina Sheriff’s Education and Training Standards.
• Pass an oral interview, background check, polygraph examination, medical exam, psychological exam, drug screening, and any other supplemental interviews conducted by Detention Administration.

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or a closely related field.
• At least 3 years of experience working in a detention or correctional facility.

Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, and PowerPoint).

• Accountability – accept responsibility and account for actions.
• Accuracy – perform work accurately and thoroughly.
• Autonomy – work independently with minimal supervision.
• Communication, oral – communicate effectively with others and respond to a diverse community.
• Communication, written – communicate in writing clearly and concisely.
• Ethical – demonstrate conduct conforming to accepted standards.
• Honesty / Integrity – maintain confidentiality and be credible.
• Judgement – use good judgement and discretion when interpreting…