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Detention Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Laurens County Detention Center

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Detention Deputy

Woodruff, SC · On-site

$40K - $50K/yr

Detention Deputy Location: Laurens County Detention Center - Laurens, SC Department: Laurens County Sheriff's Office / Detention Division Employment Type: Full-Time Why Laurens County? At the Laurens ...

Laurens County Detention Center

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Detention Deputy

Simpsonville, SC · On-site

$40K - $50K/yr

Detention Deputy Location: Laurens County Detention Center - Laurens, SC Department: Laurens County Sheriff's Office / Detention Division Employment Type: Full-Time Why Laurens County? At the Laurens ...

Laurens County Detention Center

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Detention Deputy

Greenwood, SC · On-site

$40K - $50K/yr

Detention Deputy Location: Laurens County Detention Center - Laurens, SC Department: Laurens County Sheriff's Office / Detention Division Employment Type: Full-Time Why Laurens County? At the Laurens ...

Laurens County Detention Center

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Detention Deputy

Laurens, SC · On-site

$40K - $50K/yr

Detention Deputy Location: Laurens County Detention Center - Laurens, SC Department: Laurens County Sheriff's Office / Detention Division Employment Type: Full-Time Why Laurens County? At the Laurens ...

Laurens County Detention Center

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Detention Deputy

Laurens, SC · On-site

$40K - $50K/yr

Detention Deputy Location: Laurens County Detention Center - Laurens, SC Department: Laurens County Sheriff's Office / Detention Division Employment Type: Full-Time Why Laurens County? At the Laurens ...

Laurens County Detention Center

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Detention Deputy

Simpsonville, SC · On-site

$40K - $50K/yr

Detention Deputy Location: Laurens County Detention Center - Laurens, SC Department: Laurens County Sheriff's Office / Detention Division Employment Type: Full-Time Why Laurens County? At the Laurens ...

Laurens County Detention Center

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Detention Deputy

Greenwood, SC · On-site

$40K - $50K/yr

Detention Deputy Location: Laurens County Detention Center - Laurens, SC Department: Laurens County Sheriff's Office / Detention Division Employment Type: Full-Time Why Laurens County? At the Laurens ...

Laurens County Detention Center

Be Seen First

Detention Deputy

Woodruff, SC · On-site

$40K - $50K/yr

Detention Deputy Location: Laurens County Detention Center - Laurens, SC Department: Laurens County Sheriff's Office / Detention Division Employment Type: Full-Time Why Laurens County? At the Laurens ...

City of Frisco

Detention Supervisor

Frisco, TX · On-site

$64K - $93K/yr

The Detention Supervisor will also perform the duties of Detention Officer as needed. The intent of this position description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and ...

Jackson Mississippi

DETENTION OFFICER

Jackson, MS · On-site

$17.28/hr

DETENTION OFFICER Detention Officer Job Brief: Description: Duties: Process arrested and released persons at jail or Detention Center, complete appropriate forms and related paperwork; issue clothing ...

Jackson Mississippi

DETENTION OFFICER

Jackson, MS

$17.28/hr

DETENTION OFFICER Detention Officer Job Brief: Description: Duties: Process arrested and released persons at jail or Detention Center, complete appropriate forms and related paperwork; issue clothing ...

Albany County, Wyoming

Detention Deputy

Laramie, WY · On-site

Albany County is seeking to hire a Detention Deputy in the Sheriff's Office. This position is a full-time, benefited position that will perform routine duties in connection with the Albany County ...

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Detention information

See salary details

$25.5K

$50.2K

$79.5K

How much do detention jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for detention in the United States is $50,155.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,000.00 and $55,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a detention officer?

Detention officers are professionals responsible for overseeing individuals who have been arrested and are awaiting trial or serving a short sentence in a detention facility or jail. Their duties include maintaining order and security, supervising inmates, conducting inspections, and ensuring that inmates' rights and needs are met according to the law. Detention officers also assist with booking procedures, transportation of inmates, and responding to emergencies within the facility. They play a crucial role in upholding safety and order within correctional environments.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a detention officer?

To thrive as a Detention Officer, you need a high school diploma or equivalent, knowledge of correctional procedures, and often completion of specialized training or certification. Familiarity with security systems, surveillance equipment, and incident reporting software is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, stress management, and sound judgment are crucial for maintaining safety and order. These skills and qualities are important to ensure the safety of staff and inmates, enforce regulations, and respond effectively to emergencies in a correctional facility.

What challenges do detention officers face and how can they be managed?

Detention officers often encounter challenges such as managing inmate behavior, maintaining safety and security, and handling high-stress situations. Effective communication, strong observational skills, and adherence to established protocols are essential for addressing these challenges. Regular training, teamwork, and support from supervisors also help officers respond appropriately and maintain a safe environment for both staff and inmates.

What is the difference between Detention vs Correction Officer?

AspectDetentionCorrection Officer
CertificationsBasic security or detention certificationsSecurity, detention, or correctional certifications
Work EnvironmentJails, detention centers, holding facilitiesPrisons, correctional facilities, detention centers
Employer & IndustryLaw enforcement agencies, detention centersPrison systems, correctional institutions
Job FocusSupervising detainees, maintaining securitySupervising inmates, enforcing rules, security

Detention officers primarily supervise detainees in holding facilities, focusing on security and safety. Correction officers work in prisons or correctional facilities, overseeing inmates and enforcing rules. While both roles involve security and supervision, detention officers typically handle short-term detainees, whereas correction officers manage long-term inmates in correctional settings.

Do you need a degree to be a detention officer?

A degree is not typically required to become a detention officer, but applicants usually need a high school diploma or equivalent. Additional training, background checks, and certifications in areas like first aid or CPR are often necessary for employment in detention facilities.

Is becoming a detention officer hard?

Becoming a detention officer involves completing required training, passing background checks, and often obtaining certifications such as CPR or first aid. The job can be physically and emotionally demanding, requiring strong communication skills and the ability to handle stressful situations. Overall, it requires dedication and adherence to strict protocols but is achievable with proper preparation.

What cities are hiring for Detention jobs?

Cities with the most Detention job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Detention jobs?

The most popular types of Detention jobs are:

What states have the most Detention jobs?

States with the most job openings for Detention jobs include:

Detention jobs near you
Infographic showing various Detention job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 95% Full Time, and 3% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,155 per year, or $24.1 per hour.

Detention Officer

Caroline Detention Facility

Bowling Green, VA • On-site

$23.75/hr

Other

Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

This job post has expired 3 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Caroline Detention Facility is a 336 bed facility that provides detention services to adult male and female detainees for the Department of Homeland Security. We work in conjunction with Immigration and Customs Enforcement to provide care and security to these individuals while undergoing their administrative processes. We are located 7 miles northeast of the town of Bowling Green, VA off of route 301. Hours: This is a 24/7 facility. You will be required to work every other weekend, day shift and / or night shift. (Hours are 5:45 (am or pm) to 6:30 (am or pm)).We have immediate openings for Detention Officers and are ideally seeking candidates with Corrections or Law Enforcement experience; bilingual candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. Candidates must be 21 years of age, possess a valid Virginia Driver's license, and have a High School Diploma or GED. They must be dependable and able to work in a diverse environment.Additionally, all candidates must be able to successfully pass the following:Federal Background checkDrug ScreenE-VerifyTuberculosis TestMedical PhysicalPhysical agility testSocial Security card issued by the Social Security AdministrationCDF offers an excellent benefits package to include:Participation in the Virginia Retirement SystemMedical, Dental and Vision BenefitsPaid Life InsuranceOptional Supplemental Life insuranceAflacPaid time offFree uniformsFree meal while on dutyFree trainingApply at: http://carolinedf.org/employment