Detention Officer

Position Summary

Responsible for maintaining inmate security in the detention center, including enforcement of policies, procedures, and inmate rules; escorting inmates and preventing escapes. Operates under direct and indirect supervision. Additional duties may include classification, transports, housekeeping, property, alternatives to secure detention programs, safety, and warehouse.

• Planning and performing a wide range of detention duties to ensure proper booking, incarceration, and safety of persons committed to the facility.
• Processing incoming inmates by completing electronic booking, pat and/or strip searches, personal history, medical screening, and other essential data.
• Performing fingerprinting, photographing, and DNA collection of incoming inmates.
• Inspecting prison cells to ensure cleanliness and orderliness.
• Ensuring that new inmates receive shower and clothing, and responding to additional personal needs in accordance with policies.
• Working in the control room to keep constant watch on all sections of the detention center via camera, controlling all doors and entrances, forwarding telephone calls, and contacting appropriate personnel in the event of emergency.
• Transferring inmates to court and other appearances, escorting inmates to various sections of the detention center.
• Coordinating and cooperating with other law enforcement agencies and judiciary agencies as necessary.
• Assisting in processing money and documents, recording all monies and personal items for storage.
• Appropriately distributing medications prescribed by doctors to inmates, completing appropriate documentation, and entering information into a computer.
• Obtaining required signatures from inmates for personal and accountable items.
• Dealing with verbal and physical abuse from inmates.
• Searching inmates and their cells, and restraining inmates when necessary.
• Performing all duties with minimal supervision; may be required to work irregular hours, overtime hours, attend job related meetings, and perform other duties as assigned.
• Transporting inmates to other facilities.
• Picking up and delivering laundry, hygiene items, and books to inmates.
• Overseeing inmates both directly and indirectly, spending time in the units with the inmates.
• Performing duties at either Adult or Juvenile detention facility.

• High school diploma or G.E.D.; 18 years of age and no felony convictions; two years’ work experience.
• Two years of college substitutes for two years work experience.
• Valid N.M. driver's license with a good driving record. No DWI conviction within the past three (3) years.
• Desirable qualifications:
  One year experience in correctional work or supervision of individuals in custody; bilingual in Spanish/English;
  Associate’s degree in criminal justice or related field.

• Ability to read, write, and understand written and oral instructions in English.
• Must have working knowledge of computers; interact with occupants of the County buildings in a professional and friendly manner.
• Work independently using good judgment and decision making skills; work well with ever changing priorities and/or situations.
• Must know and understand County Personnel Policy as well as all County and departmental policies pertinent to the position.
• Must know and understand CYFD rules and regulations pertaining to juvenile detention facilities.
• Must be able to maintain an acceptable attendance record, be punctual and meet established deadlines.

Requires a variety of physical activities, generally involving muscular strain, such as walking, standing, climbing stairs, stooping, sitting, reaching. Must be able to lift up to sixty (60) pounds from ground to waist level approximately twice daily, stand and walk up to twelve (12) hours at a time, and may need to push/pull a disabled inmate in a wheelchair.

Exposure to weather, dust, fumes, electrical currents, machine noises, and hazards of detention. Often exposed to high work places and confined places, volatile materials, toxic materials. Must be able to work alone while performing duties in the unit and control room.

Assigned to a twelve and one-half (12.5) hour shift, may be required to work overtime. Shifts may vary among B or D Shift (7:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.), A or C Shift (7:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.), or R shift (8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.).