Correctional Officer

Job Summary

The duty of a Corrections Officer focuses primarily on the custody and care of inmates and to maintain control of the Van Buren County Jail. The Corrections Officer will be required to maintain a secure and humane living environment for the inmates in accordance with the policies and procedures of the Van Buren County Jail. Officers will report directly to a Corrections Sergeant;

in the absence of that Sergeant or any other Corrections command, they will report to the Uniform Response Sergeant on duty.

• Book, fingerprint, and take the picture of prisoners. Prepare records of all prisoners’ personal property at the time of detention.
• Safeguard inmates’ personal belongings and return them upon release.
• Screen inmates for medical and psychological conditions and document and report all conditions to a supervisor.
• Physically and verbally control disruptive inmates.
• Escort inmates out of the cells for recreation, medical visits, court appearances, attorney visits, transfers to other facilities, etc.
• Maintain head count including movements of inmates.
• Enforce inmate rules by making written reports and making violations known to supervisors.
• Investigate violations of inmates’ rules and regulations. Interview witnesses, victims, and others in order to prepare the required reports.
• Inspect cells and premises for security and sanitation.
• Distribute food trays, laundry, mail, commissary orders, and prescribed medication.
• Control inmates by maintaining cell checks at a minimum of one per hour.
• Check inmate court paperwork and keep inmate files up to date.
• Make sure all inmate appointments are placed on the appointment list.
• Take bonds and be responsible for lawfully releasing inmates.
• Administer PBT to inmates to determine alcohol content.
• Possess practical knowledge of applicable Federal, State, and local laws and inform supervisors when non‑compliance is known.
• Answer telephones and give allowable information to the public.
• Escort and retain custody of inmates removed for jail‑approved functions.
• Supervise and guard prisoners.

Must pass a physical agility test and written exam prior to employment. Must pass a pre‑employment physical, drug screening, and a psychological exam. Must be available to work 12‑hour shifts evenings, weekends, and holidays. Must successfully pass an annual physical control tactics training.

Required to keep the facility secured and must be able to give and follow verbal and written instructions. Use physical restraint if necessary to maintain safety, security, and control of inmates and others. Complete pat searches and data entry. Complete visual checks of inmates within the facility. Transport inmates to different designated areas, as well as receive and book inmates. Learn and work according to policy and procedures.

Graduation from an accredited high school (GED acceptable) and one to three years of responsible work experience required.

Physical ability by successfully completing the Michigan Sheriff’s Coordinating and Training Council (MSCTC) Local Corrections Officer Physical Ability Test (LCOPAT). Good moral character as determined by a favorable comprehensive background investigation. Mental fitness as determined by an evaluation by a licensed health‑care professional.

Successful applicants will be given a conditional offer of employment. Prior to beginning duties, applicants must pass the MSCTC pre‑employment reading, writing, situational reasoning, and physical agility tests. Applicants who successfully complete these tests will be highly preferred.

• Passing score on the EMPCO written test for local corrections officer candidates as recognized and approved by the MSCTC with a minimum score of 70% or better required.
• Graduation from an MSCTC approved local Corrections Academy within the first year of employment.
• Ability to physically and verbally control disruptive inmates.
• Ability to deal effectively with complex human behavior problems.
• Ability to maintain composure in difficult situations, and act…