2026 Saline County

Sheriff Sergeant - Detention

Job Description

Exempt: No

Department: Sheriff's Detention

Reports To: Detention Lieutenant

Location: 735 S Neeley St, Benton, AR 72015

Safety Sensitive: This position is designated as safety/security sensitive and is subject to pre-employment, reasonable suspicion and random drug and alcohol screening.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF POSITION

Under the supervision and direction of the Detention Sergeant - Jail, the incumbent is responsible for the supervision of the Detention Officers on duty and the inmates. Must guarantee the security, wellbeing, and the safety of staff/inmates housed in the Detention Center. The incumbent assists in the management and control of the detention facility by overseeing the visual and audible supervision of inmates in cell areas at all times. The incumbent is responsible to ensure proper services, supplies, and food are provided to all inmates. Also, provide for recreational and religious programs on a reasonable basis. The Detention Corporal is responsible inmates in the facility, shift Detention Officers (approximately 4), and accurate completion of documentation. The incumbent must ensure that the area is maintained in a good clean order, good repair, well aired, and ensure safety for confinement of prisoners and safety of staff. This position is designated as a "safety sensitive position" as defined by Act 593 of 2017.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Book all lawfully arrested persons by ensuring all proper procedures and documentation is accurately completed.
Supervise inmates by ensuring safety and order for staff and inmates.
Ensure facility security by use of shift staff and policies of administration.
Supervise staff and ensure all duties are carried out according to applicable laws, ordinances, and policies.
Ensure cleanliness of cell areas, halls, etc. and ensure all is in good repair.
Oversee and administer medications to inmates, as prescribed by a physician.
Prepare daily reports, maintain accurate records of all unusual incidents, and prepare disciplinary action records.
Ensure that prisoners are delivered/transported to the proper court at the proper time.
Maintains schedules for inmates allowing exercise times, meals, showering, class attendance, medical visits, unit cleaning, laundry exchange, mail delivery, and visitation at appropriate times; documents inmates' activities and movements within the facility.
Collect and receipt for money received for bonds, fines and fees, completing accurate records.
Receives and searches incoming inmates; reviews admission forms for completeness and accuracy before booking inmates; completes paperwork for admittance and enters inmate information into computer; fingerprints and photographs inmates; transmits fingerprints to other law enforcement agencies.
Supervise prisoner’s visitations and communication.
Accurately enter all statistical information in the computer system.
Ensure adequate supplies are on hand and purchase, as needed.
Responds to emergencies such as fights, hostage incidents, riots, and incidents involving aggressive and combative inmates; uses force in restraining inmates as needed.
Perform any other related duties as required or assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty mentioned satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

High School Diploma or have passed the General Education Development (GED) testing indication high school graduation level. Home school diplomas will not substitute for the above unless approved by the Commission. Documentary evidence shall consist of official transcript, diplomas or GED test report form. In unusual circumstances the Commission may be required to accept other documentation and in such cases the decision of the Commission will be final. Home schooling diplomas will not be accepted unless approved by the Commission. Plus 4 years’ experience in correctional security or law enforcement and 12 to 18 months related leadership/management experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

COMMUNICATION SKILLS

Ability to read, analyze, and understand general business/company related articles and professional journals; ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees.

REQUIRED CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

Jail Minimum Standards within 9 months from the date of hire.

No felony convictions.

Arkansas Driver's License (or ability to immediately obtain license).

Must be able to pass a physical fitness test semi-annually

Must be a U.S. citizen and be able to provide proof

Complete mandated yearly classes as specified by the Commission on Law Enforcement and Training.

Physical Readiness Testing: The Sheriff will authorize appropriate personnel to conduct physical readiness testing (PRT) of all deputies two (2) times in a calendar year. All Sworn deputies, to include detention deputies must perform the following:

Plank (no time requirements)
Pushups (no number of time requirements)
One (1) mile walk (no time requirements)

SOFTWARE SKILLS REQUIRED

Advanced: Word Processing/Typing

Intermediate: Spreadsheet

USE OF MACHINES, EQUIPMENT AND/OR COMPUTERS

Occasional use of highly complex machines and equipment; specialized or advanced software programs.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Outside or inside working environment, wherein there are potentially hazardous working conditions and life-threatening situations exist (dangerous people, etc.) all the time per job duties and responsibilities.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

The following work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES

The following physical activities described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions and expectations.

Highly repetitive, moderately physical. Highly repetitive type of work which requires somewhat diversified physical demands of the employee.

While performing the functions of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, reach with hands and arms, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, talk or hear, taste or smell; and occasionally required to climb or balance. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move more than 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision; distance vision; peripheral vision; depth perception; and ability to adjust focus.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Employment is contingent upon satisfactory completion of the following pre-employment requirements: criminal background check, traffic offense check, sexual offender check, child maltreatment check, adult maltreatment check and drug test by appropriate licensed agencies. The incumbent may be exposed to contagious and infectious diseases such as HIV virus, Hepatitis A, B and C and Tuberculosis. The position involves regular and irregular hours needed to perform related duties. Work hours may be extended in the event of an emergency, disaster, manpower shortage, workload and work-in-progress.

This position is designated as a safety sensitive position as defined by Act 593 of 2017. An essential function is the ability to work in a constant state of alertness and in a safe manner. The duties listed above are intended only to show the various types of duties that will be performed. The omission of specific statement of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. All positions within the Sheriff’s Office are assigned by the Sheriff, Chief Deputy or the Detention Captain and are subject to be changed when deemed in the best interest of the Sheriff’s Office operation.

This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between Saline County and the employee and is subject to change by the employer if the needs of the department and requirements of the job change.

DETENTION SERGEANT

Starting at a rate of $45,113 annually (84 hours per 14-day pay period) plus $1,183 of holiday pay for County recognized holidays for a new hire.
Promotional rate of $49,536 annually (84 hours per 14-day pay period) plus $2,177 of holiday pay for an established employee (an established employee is an individual who has been a full-time Saline County employee for more than 90 days).
As with all law enforcement positions, overtime is earned after physically working 85.5 hours during the 14-day work period. All time up to 85.5 hours is paid at straight time and all hours over 85.5 are paid at time and one-half.

Certificate pay is available for CLEST certified employees working for the Sheriff’s office according to the certification schedule and paid the first pay period in December.
Bilingual pay of $2,080 is available once proficiency has been established.

This position is designated as a “safety sensitive” position as defined by Act 593 of 2017. An essential function of this position is the ability to work in a constant state of alertness and in a safe manner.

Group health, dental and life insurance is paid by the County for the employee’s coverage provided the employee obtains a wellness check within designated time frame.
For employee retirement, the County contributes 15.32% per pay period of the employee’s gross towards the employee’s retirement through the Arkansas Public Employees’ Retirement System.

SALINE COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

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