Detention Deputy Sheriff Trainee

Detentions Deputy Sheriff

The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office is now accepting applications for the position of Detentions Deputy Sheriff for an academy beginning February 2, 2026. This position will be assigned to the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office in the Detentions Division. A $5,000 sign-on bonus will be issued to newly hired candidates who successfully complete the 2026-1 Department Certified Deputy Academy. Starting Hourly Pay : $32.45 / hour

We are looking for : Individuals with integrity, excellence, and respect who have been called to a life of service, and have lived their lives accordingly. Good people who represent the vibrant diversity of the community we serve and measure up to the high standards our community expects. Men and women willing to learn law, policy, and procedure, and apply those in a fair, impartial, and equitable manner.

Qualified applicants will be vetted through written testing, interviews, credit and background checks, a polygraph test, and physical and psychological screenings. Once selected, recruits will attend a 9-week detentions academy that combines classroom learning with physical fitness and skills training in driving, defensive tactics, arrest control, firearms and much more. Those who successfully complete this process will join one of Colorado's oldest and largest sheriff's offices to help make Jefferson County a safe place for all people to live, learn, work, and play.

The entry-level Department Certified Detention Deputy Sheriff's works to maintain the safety, security, and control of an assigned area of the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office Detention Facility. This includes supervising inmate activities, preventing violence, supervising distributions of meals and services, classifying and assigning inmates to jail housing, explaining rules and regulations, and conducting periodic inspections of the facility. Work also includes operating control panels, preparing various reports and logs, collecting and submitting evidence related to criminal activity, testifying in court regarding criminal activity, directing and assisting visitors and completing all other duties of a Deputy Sheriff as directed by policy, procedure and post orders. Work requires that the employee cooperate and work closely with other investigators, deputy sheriffs, line supervisors, other law enforcement agencies and the public. Employee is subject to the usual hazards of general law enforcement and corrections work.

This position is eligible for Standard Benefits which includes dental, medical, and vision insurance, paid time off and holidays, retirement matching, wellness programs, and tuition reimbursement.

Jefferson County is an equal opportunity employer, providing equal employment opportunity to all qualified persons. The County affirms the rights of all employees and applicants for employment to be protected from discrimination, intimidation, physical harm and harassment based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, hairstyle associated with racial identity or any other status protected by Federal or State law.

Jefferson County Sheriff's Office may require sworn and non-sworn sheriff's office employees to submit to periodic, random, and unannounced drug testing.

Essential Duties

• Attends additional areas of detention facility, maintaining security and control of inmates and jail; prevents inmate violence, breaking up fights and subduing combative inmates, as necessary; performs crisis intervention as needed, including suicide prevention, etc.; reviews incident reports from previous shift; and conducts cell searches for contraband, as required. May provide field training and evaluate new deputy sheriff recruits, planning and coordinating training through regular meetings of field training instructors. Escorts inmates within the detention facility and maintains safety and security of the Minimum-Security Facility and Work Release Unit.
• Utilizes computerized data entry equipment and various word processing and database programs to enter, store and / or retrieve information on inmates. Summarizes data in standard reports. Prepares various logs, forms and reports, documenting movement and activities of inmates, grievance allegations, incidents of violation of rules, notable behavior, potential safety hazards, problems with facility hardware, criminal activity, etc.
• Maintains control of inmates' activities, including supervising distributions of meals, commissary razors, medications and other items to inmates; supervises visitations of inmates and assists visitors; and inspects items brought to jail for inmates. Communicates with inmates, giving information and directions, mediating disputes, listens to and investigates inmates' complaints; resolves inmates' conflicts and problems; and makes recommendations to Disciplinary Board or Administrative Sergeant, as appropriate.
• Operates central control center panel and monitors security cameras and television monitors to view areas of detention facility, as assigned; performs visual and audio surveillance of doors and activities of inmates and staff; receives inquiries and provides information as requested; controls outside entries, elevators, doors, etc., ensuring entry and exit of authorized persons; and responds to fire alarms and radio panic alarms, determining the location of the Deputy Sheriff in need of assistance and directing deputies to help.
• Assigns inmates to housing locations in the detention facility; supervises inmates during booking process and advises inmates of rules and regulations; and escorts inmates and locks prisoners in assigned housing locations.
• Attends seminars, classes, training and lectures, etc., as appropriate, to enhance and maintain knowledge of trends and developments in the field of corrections. Appears in court as a witness to give testimony.
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Salary

The starting salary for this position is $67,489.03. This will be your salary while attending the Detentions Academy as a Detention Certified Deputy Sheriff Trainee. Upon successful completion of the Academy your salary will be adjusted to $76,356.85 with a top salary of $108,731.08 after merit and time in grade-based pay increases.

Minimum Qualifications

Each applicant must be willing to submit to :

BY COMPLETING THIS APPLICATION, YOU CONSENT TO THE PROCESS NOTED ABOVE AND ATTEST TO THE TRUTHFULNESS AND ACCURACY OF THE INFORMATION YOU PROVIDE. INACCURATE INFORMATION MAY BE GROUNDS FOR REMOVAL OF YOUR APPLICATION FROM CONSIDERATION.