Detention Officer; Court & Detention

Position Purpose

The Detention Officer performs jail guard duties through processing and monitoring the prisoners in custody at the Dallas Inebriate Detention Center.

• Processes incoming and outgoing prisoners and escorts prisoners to and from assigned cells according to established procedures; searches prisoners for weapons and contraband, processes findings accordingly, and maintains an inventory of prisoner personal property.
• Books, fingerprints, and medically screens prisoners according to department guidelines and policies; determines the appropriate housing situation for prisoners entering the system.
• Conducts visual and video assisted dorm searches, makes prisoner head count, and facility inspection to ensure all prisoners are accounted for and facility is secure; effectively operates metal detectors, fire extinguishers, live scan technology and other systems, equipment, and software.
• Monitors and observe prisoners activities to ensure no disturbances occur; subdues and restrains aggressive or violent prisoners using approved methods to ensure safety and security of staff and prisoners.
• Enters prisoners arrest information on the criminal system
• Maintains detention center logs and writes various reports related to specific incidents at the detention center.
• Maintain cleanliness in cells.
• Performs any and all other work as needed or assigned.

• Works in a jail environment.
• Subject to injury working the detention center.
• Subject to lifting, bending, restraining prisoners, walking, standing for extended periods of time.
• Subject to extreme physical demands when restraining prisoners.

• EDUCATION: High school diploma or GED.
• EXPERIENCE: One (1) year of work experience.
• EQUIVALENCY: Associate degree (or higher) in a criminal justice, business, public administration, or social science field will meet the education and experience requirements.
• LICENSE: Valid drivers license with good driving record.
• OTHER REQUIREMENTS: No FELONY or Class A MISDEMEANOR convictions.
• No Class B MISDEMEANOR convictions within the last ten (10) years
• No outstanding citations or warrants.
• Must be available for various eight (8) hour shifts in a twenty-four/seven (24/7) operation.
• Must pass extensive background check including drug and psychological testing.

• English/Spanish bilingual skills a plus.

• Knowledge of state laws pertaining to jail facilities and detention of prisoners.
• Knowledge of fingerprinting techniques.
• Knowledge of de-escalation techniques and ability to handle angry or irate persons.
• Communicating effectively verbally and in writing.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.
• Must be physically fit and able to restrain prisoners.