Detention Officer

Detention Officers help keep the facility safe, organized, and respectful. In this role, you’ll maintain the custody, care, and control of detainees while consistently enforcing company and contracting-agency rules, policies, and procedures. This is a team environment where professionalism, cultural respect, and clear communication are non-negotiable.

Commitment and communications are essential character traits for this position. Detention Officers are expected to show up on time, every time—shift coverage is mission-critical in a detention setting. You’ll also need strong communication skills, including the ability to write clear, objective reports and document events accurately in a detention management software system.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Monitor detainee activity in living units, recreation areas, dining areas, and visitation areas.
  
• Coordinate and monitor detainee movement; conduct counts; respond to emergencies as required.
  
• Work a variety of posts based on operational needs, which may include: control room, front/sally port entrance, health services, special housing, perimeter security, transportation, work details, reception/intake, and visitation.
  
• Provide security for program activities and supervise labor crews and work details across the facility.
  
• Conduct searches/shakedowns for contraband (individually or as part of a team) and confiscate items in accordance with facility and contracting-agency policy.
  
• Initiate disciplinary reports when required and document incidents objectively.
  
• Prepare shift reports, maintain daily logs, and record required information in the detention management software with accuracy and timeliness.
  
• Ensure detainees receive prompt and appropriate assistance in the event of injury, illness, or trauma.
  
• Support facility cleanliness and report maintenance needs and safety hazards promptly.
  
• Serve on special teams that respond to emergencies as required.
  
• Complete required training and maintain compliance with facility training standards.
  
• Work any shift assigned, including overtime, based on management needs.
  
• Perform other duties as assigned.
  

Requirements

What We Expect (Professionalism, Culture, Communication)

• Maintain a professional, calm, and respectful presence—even in high-pressure situations.
  
• Treat all individuals fairly and respectfully, including coworkers and detainees from different cultures, backgrounds, and life experiences.
  
• Communicate clearly and confidently over radio, phone, and face-to-face, and write reports that are accurate, objective, and complete.
  
• Be dependable and punctual. Late arrivals disrupt security coverage and impact the entire team.
  
• Use technology confidently—especially for documentation in detention management systems.
  

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements

• Prior Corrections or Detention experience preferred.
  
• Education & Training: High school diploma or equivalent required. College coursework or advanced training in corrections, behavioral sciences, or a related field preferred; training in cultural diversity/sensitivity is a plus.
  
• Work Autorization: must meet all applicable state requirements for employment.
  
• Overtime: Ability to work overtime as required, including extended hours.
  
• Ability to manage the physical and mental demands of the position and remain alert on any assigned shift.
  
• May be required to possess a valid state driver’s license.
  
• Must demonstrate maturity, flexibility, and the ability to earn respect and maintain control in a structured environment.
  
• Must be at least twenty-one (21) years of age.
  

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Benefits