Detention Officer - Detention Center

ESSENTIAL DUTIES :

• Under the direction of the shift Sergeant, responsible for an advanced level responsibility for the care and custody of assigned detainees through knowledge of and adherence to laws, rules, regulations and standard operating procedures governing the Lea County Detention Center.
• Respond to emergency situations in the Detention Center, provide medical assistance, including CPR.
• Process incoming arrestees and perform interviews to obtain medical history, criminal history, jail classification, searches detainee, secure personal property of detainee, take photographs and fingerprints, issues jail clothing and bedding.
• Conduct searches of detainees' cell, body (clothed and unclothed), property and work area to ensure control of contraband and compliance with institutional health standards. Performs pat down and strip search of inmates in dorms and cells, shakedowns as directed.
• Assists in the movement of inmates and maintain control while escorting individuals or groups of individuals throughout the facility. Conduct inmate counts at designated times to ensure security and early detection of escapees.
• Supervises the daily activities of inmates, including meals and general care, discipline, medical needs, and cleaning of cell blocks and facility by inmates.
• Search for contraband and provides security; counts, feeds, and supervises inmates in housing, work, and other areas accessed by stairs; and maintains security of assigned areas involving long periods of sitting and standing, climbing stairs and ladders to reach assigned areas, and working at heights.
• Inspect facility areas for unsanitary conditions, contraband, signs of a security breach of locks, windows, bars, grills, doors and gates; any other evidence of violations of the rules.
• Provides custody and security of inmates including observing the actions of inmates, squatting and bending to conduct "pat" and "strip" searches of inmates, restraining and securing sometimes assaultive inmates, and transferring and transporting inmates by walking or riding in various vehicles such as trailers, vans, buses, and other forms of transportation.
• Reads, reviews, and properly applies information found in inmate records which is related to the inmate's health and safety and to the security of the facility; provides leadership and technical guidance to other staff; complies with policies, procedures, rules, and regulations; enforces inmate disciplinary rules; and prepares and maintains records, forms, and reports.
• Monitoring and observation of detainee behavior and conduct to prevent disturbances, escape or infraction of rules and regulations.
• Employs reasonable force and physically restrain detainees when necessary to prevent injury and disorder.
• Maintains accurate records of inmate incarceration, property, cell assignments, movements, mail and visitations. Complete verbal and written reports to supervisors regarding inmate behavior, rule violation, work and repair orders, security issues and transportation of inmates.
• Performs duties specifically assigned and any post orders at the Lea County Detention Center; follows chain of command.
• Patrols assigned area for evidence of forbidden activities, infraction of rules and unsatisfactory attitudes or adjustment of inmates and reports such observations to supervisors.
• Escorts inmates in transit for medical appointments or other appointments; maintains guard duty at a medical facility when an inmate is admitted to such by a physician.
• Receives and records bonds and fines.
• Must complete and pass all training requirements all in a specific period of time, including CPR, self-defense, defensive driving and other training as required by Director.
• Shift work is required; rotation of shifts, or transfer from one shift to another, may be required; irregular hours and overtime may also be required.
• May be assigned to adult section or juvenile section as needed.
• Subject to call-in for duty in response to shift shortage and / or emergencies.
• Must attend all scheduled staff meetings, training, etc. as directed by supervisors.

OTHER DUTIES :

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS :

Education :

Experience :

Certifications, Skills and Licenses :

Physical Functions / Requirements :

The physical demands described here are representative and not necessarily exhaustive of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Mental Functions / Requirements :

Other :

WORKING CONDITIONS :

The work environment characteristics described here are representative but not necessarily exhaustive of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

PRE-EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS :