Correctional Captain

Job Information

Location: Department of Correction, Davidson County – Lois M. DeBerry Special Needs Facility. On‑site position.

Screening: Motor Vehicle Records and a criminal background check will be conducted prior to employment.

Education equivalent to graduation from a standard high school and substantial adult security work, including at least five full‑time years of progressively responsible duties and three years of supervisory experience. One year as an Inmate Relations Coordinator may substitute for one year of supervisory experience.

• Willing and able to qualify with, carry, and use assigned weapons.
• At least eighteen (18) years old on the date of application.
• Citizen of the United States.
• Good moral character, as determined by investigation.
• Complete a criminal history disclosure form as approved by the appointing authority.
• Agree to release all records involving criminal history to the appointing authority.
• Supply a fingerprint sample for a TBI prescription criminal history records check.
• No conviction for a felony or any domestic assault convictions, or discharge under any non‑honorable conditions from any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces.
• Pass a physical examination administered by a licensed physician that is consistent with the ADA and related to essential functions.
• Pass a psychological evaluation administered by a licensed mental health professional that is consistent with the ADA and related to essential functions.
• Submit to and pass a pre‑employment screening test for illegal drug use.
• Possess a valid motor vehicle operator's license.
• Upon appointment, successfully complete all prescribed courses at the Tennessee Correction Academy and required online training.

The Correctional Captain is responsible for supervisory correctional work at a state correctional facility, supervising the entire security force on a shift. This class differs from a Correctional Lieutenant, which serves as shift or assistant shift supervisor.

• Oversee response by staff and outside agencies to emergencies such as medical needs, escapes, fires, and natural disasters.
• Ensure assigned security devices are thoroughly checked and inspected.
• Inspect the Correctional Facility for compliance with state standards.
• Maintain knowledge of, comply with, and enforce all institutional policies, rules, procedures, and regulations including ACA standards.
• Assign security staff members to their areas, ensuring all critical posts are staffed through roster management.
• Plan activities to meet operational and strategic priorities, preventing scheduling conflicts.
• Perform security inspections (e.g., fence and ground checks) to ensure compliance with security standards.
• Oversee and monitor all calculated use of force incidents such as cell extractions per policy.
• Ensure compliance with TDOC–Institutional policies and procedures for a safe and secure facility.
• Prepare and approve records and reports, including shift reports, after‑action reports, daily logs, attendance records, pay rosters, discipline reports, inmate passes for court and doctor appointments, and daily population records.
• Provide and communicate information to supervisors and subordinates concerning daily activities in regards to staff and inmates.

• Decision Quality
• Builds Effective Teams
• Communicates Effectively
• Manages Conflict
• Drives Results

• Public Safety and Security
• Customer and Personal Service
• Law and Government

• Active Learning and Listening
• Critical Thinking
• Reading Comprehension
• Learning Strategies
• Writing

• Number Facility
• Problem Sensitivity
• Speech Clarity
• Speech Recognition
• Written Comprehension

• Personal Computer
• Telephone
• Motor Vehicles
• Copy Machine
• Radio