Detention Officer

Position Overview

The New Hanover County Sheriff's Office is accepting applications for full‑time Detention Officers. Detention Officers are responsible for performing duties relative to the safety, security, and detention of inmates at the New Hanover County Detention Facility.

• Processing incoming inmates into custody by completing paperwork, searching prisoners, obtaining and securing personal property, assigning and escorting inmates to proper holding facilities, and explaining rules and regulations of the detention center.
• Patrolling jail areas to maintain order and prevent escape.
• Inspecting inmates and cells to ensure cleanliness and sanitation; confiscating contraband.
• Obtaining and escorting inmates for visitations and appearances in court, records visits, inspecting all items brought to the jail, and checking incoming and outgoing mail.
• Ensuring all inmates are provided with daily meals and snacks.
• Responding to calls for medical assistance as needed.
• Transporting inmates to and from court and hospitals.
• Preparing records and reports on inmates.
• Performing work during emergency/disaster situations.

The starting hourly rate for a Detention Officer is $22.28 an hour or $48,659.52 annually, plus a $2,000 one‑time sign‑on bonus.

• Employer paid 401(k) contributions
• Retirement plan through the NC Retirement system
• Paid sick and personal leave + 13 paid holidays per year
• Paid parental leave
• Paid community services leave to give back to our community
• Education leave to obtain a degree within your line of work
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance + many other insurance options
• Onsite, employer‑paid health and wellness center
• Professional development trainings & leadership initiatives
• Opportunities to make a difference in your community
• And so much more!

Please check out our careers page at  for more information on why New Hanover County is a great place to work.

Once your application has been submitted, a Recruitment Detective will contact you within three (3) business days regarding the next steps in the process.

The following documents are required to be completed during the recruitment process. You can complete these forms and attach to your application now, to expedite the recruitment process. To do so, please click on the link below, complete the required fields, save the form(s), and add the completed documents to the attachments section of your application.

Do not sign any forms that are required to be notarized. Your signature will be collected with a notary present when you meet with a Recruitment Detective.

• Form F-3 (DO NOT SIGN THIS DOCUMENT. This form must be notarized, which will occur when a Recruitment Detective meets with you.)
• Automatic Employment Disqualifiers and Releases (DO NOT SIGN THESE DOCUMENTS. The forms must be notarized, which will occur when a Recruitment Detective meets with you.)
• Detention Officer Applicant Acknowledgment – Please print your name at the top of the form and add your social media usernames and signify which social media platform it belongs to. DO NOT SIGN OR DATE AT THE BOTTOM. A Recruitment Detective will have you sign and date when you meet.

to review some of the frequently asked questions regarding employment with the New Hanover County Sheriff's office.

for more information on the steps to the applicant selection process, including a detailed description of the physical fitness test.

to review the essential job duties for a Detention Officer, outlining the duties that are common and can be expected for all inexperienced detention officers. You do not need to fill out this form. A Recruitment Detective will review this with you and have you sign when you meet.

High School Diploma or General Equivalency Diploma (GED). Must be at least 20 years of age at the time of application and a citizen of the United States.

Must be available to work rotating shifts, weekends, holidays, extended hours and during emergency situations.

Candidates must successfully complete a written examination, physical abilities test, structured interview, background investigation, polygraph examination, psychological evaluation,…