Detention Center Chief

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Chief of Security is responsible for all security duties that are directly related to housing and security operations functions at the Detention Center and serves as the second-line supervisor of all employees in the Security Division. As part of those duties and responsibilities, the Chief of Security assists the Director of Detention and the Assistant Director of Detention in the development and monitoring of the Security Division, including:

• Overseeing all security measures at the Detention Center, including surveillance systems, perimeter security, and inmate movement to prevent escapes, violence, and contraband.

• Helping to develop and implement comprehensive security policies and procedures to mitigate risks and address evolving security challenges.

• Conducting regular security audits and assessments to identify vulnerabilities and implement improvements.

• Helping coordinate and lead response efforts during emergencies such as riots, natural disasters, medical emergencies, or security breaches.

• Assisting in working with local law enforcement, fire departments, and other emergency responders to ensure a coordinated response during critical incidents.
• Helping monitor and enforce compliance with the Detention Center’s security standards and internal policies.

• Maintaining up-to-date records related to security activities, incidents, and staffing.

• Overseeing the installation, maintenance, and operation of surveillance equipment, including cameras, alarm systems, and access control systems.

• Leveraging technology to monitor inmate activity, identify security threats, and improve operational efficiency.

• Working closely with facility leadership to ensure the safety and well-being of inmates, staff, and visitors.

• Leading, supervising, and training a team of security staff, including:

• Ensuring that all Security personnel receive the appropriate training and required certification(s) in their areas of responsibility.
• Ensuring that all Security personnel receive mandatory re-certification training.
• Directly monitoring and supervising the work performance of personnel assigned to the Security function. 
• Overseeing work assignments and schedules.
• Reviewing and evaluating work performed.
• Resolving personnel problems and assists in other employee related matters as required.

The Chief of Security also performs other duties as assigned by the Assistant Director of Detention or his designee.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND TRAINING

VOCATIONAL/EDUCATIONAL PREPARATION:

Requires an Associate’s degree; Bachelor’s degree preferred.

SPECIAL CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES:

Must possess a valid state driver’s license.

Must meet other requirements as set forth in applicable South Carolina statutes and regulations.

Must possess Class II officer certification or be able to obtain certification from the SC Criminal Justice Academy within six (6) months of hire.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

Minimum of eight (8) years of experience in a law enforcement or correctional setting, with at least 3-5 years in a leadership or supervisory role in security or corrections.

Experience working in a detention facility is preferred but not required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND STANDARDS REQUIRED

Data Involvement: Requires gathering, organizing, analyzing, examining or evaluating data or information and may prescribe action based on such data or information.

People Involvement: Requires strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively interact with detainees, staff, and the public.

Involvement with Things: Requires leading, operating or repairing complex machinery or equipment that requires extended training and experience, such as police vehicles and equipment, firearms. Involves operations of limited scope; proficiency in the use of security technology, including surveillance systems, access controls, and alarm systems.

Reasoning Requirements: Requires performing skilled work involving rules/systems with almost constant problem-solving. Requires strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.

Mathematical Requirements: Requires using addition and subtraction, multiplication and division, and/or calculating ratios, rates and percentages.

Language Requirements: Requires reading technical instructions, procedures, manuals and charts to solve practical problems; composing routine reports and specialized reports, forms and business letters with proper format; speaking compound sentences using normal grammar and word form.

Mental Requirements: Requires doing clerical, manual or technical tasks requiring a wide range of procedures and requiring intensive understanding of a restricted field or complete familiarity with the functions of a unit or small division of an operating agency; requires normal attention with short periods of concentration for accurate results or occasional exposure to unusual pressure. Requires strong knowledge of security management, risk assessment, and emergency response techniques.

Judgments and Decisions: Responsible for guiding others, requiring frequent decisions affecting co-workers and others who depend on the service or product; works in a fluid environment with rules and procedures but with many variations from the routine; ability to work under pressure and make sound decisions during high-stress situations.