Detention Services Officer

Detention Services Officer

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED
• Must be eighteen (18) years of age
• Must complete a multiweek civilian detention services training regimen during initial weeks of employment
• Must possess a valid Arizona driver’s license or have the ability to obtain by the time of hire
• Prior to hiring, the Sheriff’s Office requires that all candidates pass a background review.

Responsibilities

• Conducts continual visual surveillance of various areas of detention facilities.
• Selects and operates appropriate touchscreen monitors, button switches and knobs used to control doors, sliders and communication systems; distinguishes between audio alarms for radio duress activation, PA systems, phone ringing, and perimeter alarm activation.
• Schedules, maintains unit logs and records, prepares reports or memoranda, and other record keeping as directed.
• Documents day-to-day activities performed by detention officers such as: security walks, hygiene distribution, meal distribution, dayroom access, recreation access and others.
• Communicates emergency situations by radio and phone calls and uses intercoms as necessary (e.g., regarding lockdown, nature of emergency); interacts with medical and detention personnel as medical emergencies arise.
• Inventories and inspects security and surveillance equipment through testing which includes operating touchscreens, pressing buttons, and turning switches.
• Operates telephones, computers and other electronic equipment, and cameras.
• Communicates effectively over radio channels while initiating and responding to radio communications, sometimes under adverse conditions.
• Provides information, direction, and commands over intercom during normal and emergency situations; applies listening skills to ensure accuracy.
• Exercises duties within legal guidelines and according to policy and operations manuals; reads and comprehends rules, regulations, policies, and procedures to ensure appropriate behavior/response for workplace situations.
• Controls or assists in controlling and monitoring access to attorney rooms and visitation areas.
• Registers and escorts individuals for visitation with inmates; issues visitor passes and facility employee identification cards.
• Operates a computer terminal to obtain criminal history information including warrants or other holds, and updates classification or housing information as necessary.
• Performs tasks as scheduled or assumes additional support duties as assigned by supervisory staff.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in a detention, corrections, or law enforcement environment.