Sergeant

Basic Purpose

Positions in this job family are assigned responsibilities related to maintaining the security, control and custody of inmates in a state adult correctional facility.

• Provides security and supervision to inmates, maintains security of an assigned area or post.
• Provides security over inmate work crews, escorts inmates to work sites, inventories and controls all equipment, weapons, tools and keys.
• Patrols yards, grounds, cell houses, corridors, dormitories and work areas on an assigned shift; observes activities and movements of inmates; manages inmate conduct, work and discipline.
• Maintains order and discipline in programs and during meals and recreation periods; inspects living areas, facilities and work locations for unauthorized objects or materials; makes reports on incidents.
• Operates manually or electronically controlled security equipment maintaining controlled movement of inmates, staff and the public.
• Conducts inmate counts; performs searches of inmates and living quarters for contraband; enforces institutional rules and regulations.
• Prepares written documentation and reports concerning inmate behavior, status and movement.
• Participates on escape and apprehension teams; responds to riots and fires.

Leadership level where employees are assigned responsibilities as a correctional security sergeant, including serving as a team leader or a lead worker and providing training, assigning work and other related duties. Employees may independently perform specialized functions requiring a high degree of judgment and skill such as inmate public work crew officer, gun gang officer, K-9 unit officer, transportation officer, restricted housing unit officer, key and tool officer, control room officer, visiting room officer, gate officer, activities officer, hospital security posts or armory officer.

• Fundamentals of English usage; basic math; reporting writing; use and care of firearms; proper restraint methods and techniques; self-defense methods; discipline methods for inmates under restraint; psychology of inmate behavior.
• Ability to evaluate situations; adopt effective courses of action; exercise alertness; act quickly and effectively in emergencies; follow oral and written instructions; gather and organize facts and complete clear, concise reports; communicate effectively; establish effective working relationships; maintain proficiency with firearms; assess and manage conflicts within the inmate population.

Statutory requirements: minimum age 20; 30 semester hours from an accredited college or university OR high school diploma or GED equivalent and completion of an approved training course; plus 24 months of experience in correctional or security work for a governmental agency or private corrections agency.

• Submission of merit system evaluations determining fitness for the position.
• Annual physical fitness in keeping with job conditions.
• Valid driver’s license at time of appointment.
• Drug testing.
• Willingness and ability to work any assigned shift or day of the week, and additional shifts as required.
• Meet training and screening requirements for peace officer designation.
• No person with certain criminal convictions as defined by Oklahoma law is eligible as a peace officer.
• Position is safety sensitive as defined by 63 O.S. § 427.8.

State of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of genetic information, race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, or disability.