Corrections Officer

Corrections Officer

This is very responsible correctional facility work involving the intake, processing and incarceration of individuals suspected and / or convicted of criminal activity. Activities associated with the job include data entry of information into a computer database, fingerprinting, logging personal items, and photographing suspects, performing searches and placing the individual in the most appropriate level of confinement. Upon confinement, Corrections Officers conduct frequent safety checks, maintain a log of events and activities, monitor inmates' health and emotional state, deliver meals and administer medications as prescribed. Additional responsibilities include the transportation of inmates, checking for warrants on individuals taken into custody and prisoners and related administrative duties. Performance is evaluated by Corrections Corporals and Corrections Sergeants through review of the efficiency of the correctional facility operations, effectiveness in dealing with inmates, physical capacity to perform job duties and compliance with existing rules and regulations pertaining to correctional facility operations.

Essential Duties

• Performs appropriate intake activities for individuals taken into custody such as fingerprinting, photographing and recording personal items into a log.
• Enters personal identification information into a computer database and conducts searches in local and state law enforcement databases for outstanding warrants, personal identifiers and / or criminal histories.
• Conducts searches of inmates and individuals taken into custody.
• Accompanies inmates to court, ensures they remain in control during court proceedings, records judgments and enters the information into the computer upon return from court.
• Performs routine security checks as prescribed in operational policies and the status of the inmate(s); maintains a log of monitoring activities indicating the behavior and demeanor of inmates including any significant changes and actions taken in response.
• Accompanies inmates to church services, GED classes, visitation, etc. and ensures that they remain in control at all times.
• Operates the control board and opens and closes doors to ensure the security of the facility.
• Monitors cameras to view inmate activity and the grounds surrounding the facility.
• Participates in shake downs to determine the presence of contraband and other illegal substances in the facility.
• Verifies visitors' identification and observes inmates and visitors during visitation periods.
• Distributes meals and dispenses medications to inmates at prescribed times.
• Occasionally transports prisoners to medical doctors, emergency facilities, court appearances or other correctional facilities.
• Maintains documentation of inmate information in an organized and accessible manner.
• Intervenes and establishes control in dangerous and / or volatile situations to ensure the safety of individuals taken into custody and other inmates.
• Maintains a log of individuals released on bond and updates computer records as needed.
• Supervises the activity of trustees as they perform their assigned duties.
• Determines the appropriate course of action for inmates experiencing trauma or in need of medical attention.
• Performs related duties as required.

Position Qualifications

Required :

Supplemental Information

Section 41-4-144 (a) After July 1, 2006 any person employed as a jail administrator, jailer, corrections officer, or guard in a county jail or workhouse shall : Be at least eighteen (18) years of age; Be a citizen of the United States; Be a high school graduate or possess its equivalency which shall include a general educational development (GED) certificate; Not having been convicted or pleaded guilty to, or entered a plea of nolo contendere to any felony charge or to any violation of any federal or state laws or municipal ordinances relating to force, violence, theft, dishonesty, gambling, liquor or controlled substances; Not have been released or discharged under any other than honorable discharge from any of the armed forces of the United States; Have such person's fingerprints on file with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation; Have passed a physical and psychological examination by a licensed physician certified by the State of Tennessee; Have a good moral character as determined by a thorough investigation conducted by the Sheriff's Office. Graduation from an accredited high school (mandatory) or graduation from an accredited college (preferred) for higher education (Associate or Bachelor Degree) in Criminal Justice, Law Enforcement; experience working in a juvenile and / or adult correctional facility; ability to interact effectively with inmates, family members and the public; sufficient physical strength to perform work related activities and react to emergency situations; strong decision-making skills or any equivalent combination of education and experience to provide the following knowledge, abilities, and skills :

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of the activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional duties as assigned. Management reserves the right to change this job description at any time with or without notice according to business needs.