Detention Officer Cadet - Tiered

What You'll Be Doing

Join the Wake County Sheriff's Office as a Detention Officer - Cadet and begin a meaningful career that protects communities, upholds justice and fosters positive change. This is more than a job - it's a calling. As a Cadet, you’ll receive comprehensive, paid training to prepare you for a future as a fully certified Detention Officer. You’ll gain the skills, discipline and experience needed to maintain safety, security and order within our correctional facilities - all while making a difference in the lives of others.

Detention Officer Certification Course (DOCC) Academy is scheduled to begin in Winter 2025. Hire date will be prior to the beginning of the Academy.

Hourly rate for employees until completion of the DOCC Academy is $25.96 per hour ($54,000 annually) and will increase to $27.26 per hour (approximately $56,700 annually) when training and certification is obtained. Incentives for education (3‑6%), military (2‑3%), prior experience (varies) and fluency in a foreign language (4%) will be calculated after DOCC training is completed.

• Perform custodial duties associated with the transportation, security and supervision of prisoners in the Wake County Detention Center (WCDC) and the Wake County Public Safety Center (PSC)
• Perform a variety of duties ranging from direct supervision, control desk, inmate escorts, K‑9, and transportation of inmates
• Perform work in accordance with the Wake County Sheriff’s Office policies and procedures, North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and the Training and Standards Council of the Department of Justice of North Carolina
• Perform work under the direct supervision of the employee’s squad or area supervisor
• The applicant must be willing to work 12‑hour shifts which include nights, holidays and weekends

• Detention applicants must demonstrate a minimum level of physical ability and fitness by completing the Wake County Sheriff’s Office’s Physical Agility Test (SOPAT). The test consists of running 40 meters, climbing up and down stairs, completing 10 pushups, and simulating rolling/moving an adult‑sized object. The purpose of this physical test is to simulate and measure an officer’s physical ability to respond to a critical incident and apprehend or potentially control a prisoner/suspect.
• Following submission of this application, you will receive an email to schedule a reading and physical fitness assessment
• If you have any questions please contact the Wake County Sheriff’s Office Recruiting Division at (919) 856‑6983

With a wide array of services, Wake County Government is at the heart of a rapidly growing and diverse area offering residents, employees and visitors exciting opportunities to live, work, grow, and play. Wake County Government employs approximately 4,400 employees and approximately 1,000 of those are employed by the Sheriff’s Office which provides Law Enforcement services throughout the community. With over 850 square miles of area and 1 million residents, the Wake County Sheriff’s Office is the primary law enforcement agency for those in the unincorporated areas of the County.

For more information about Wake County Government, visit (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). and the Wake County Sheriff’s Office e.gov/sheriff.

• High school diploma or GED
• No specific experience required
• Equivalent education and experience are accepted

• Please include ALL prior work experience on your application and resume.

• Knowledge of federal, state and local laws governing the operation of the Wake County Detention Center and the Wake County Public Safety Center
• Knowledge of forms, records and reports used in the detention facility
• Ability to stand or sit for long periods of time
• Ability to maintain discipline and order among arrestees
• Ability to work in a confined area
• Ability to deal firmly and courteously with arrestees and visitors
• Ability to use sound judgment in both routine and emergency situations
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with other employees

Location:

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