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Detention Center Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Detention Center is located at the Moss Justice Center and is a two-building facility. The Detention Center Main Building is a 621-bed direct supervision facility that opened in March of 1995.

Detention Officer I

Wilson, NC · On-site

$47K - $79K/yr

DETENTION OFFICER I DETENTION CENTER FLSA: Non-exempt **APPLICATION PROCESS: TO APPLY FOR THIS POSITION: 1. DOWNLOAD AND COMPLETE WCSO APPLICATION, F-3, AND QUESTIONNAIRE DOCUMENTS: WCSO Application ...

Detention Officer I

Asheboro, NC · On-site

$33K - $46K/yr

Work is performed in accordance with established detention center management policies and procedures and supplemented by specific instructions as necessary. The employee is subject to the usual ...

Detention Officer

Silver City, NM · On-site

$36K - $49K/yr

Detention Center Opening Date: 03/16/2026 Closing Date: Continuous Job Summary Under the direction of the Detention Center Administration, the Detention Officer is expected to ensure the health ...

Detention Officer I

Asheboro, NC · On-site

$33K - $46K/yr

Work is performed in accordance with established detention center management policies and procedures and supplemented by specific instructions as necessary. The employee is subject to the usual ...

Detention Officer I

Wilson, NC · On-site

$47K - $79K/yr

DETENTION OFFICER I DETENTION CENTER FLSA: Non-exempt **APPLICATION PROCESS: TO APPLY FOR THIS POSITION: 1. DOWNLOAD AND COMPLETE WCSO APPLICATION, F-3, AND QUESTIONNAIRE DOCUMENTS: 2. COME BACK TO ...

HCSO JRL Detention Center policies and procedures. County policies and procedures Internal control policies and procedures pertaining to the kitchen Inventory procedures ability to supervise and plan ...

Detention Deputy

Moncks Corner, SC · On-site

$45K - $47K/yr

Detention Center Opening Date: 04/13/2026 Closing Date: Continuous Job Summary and Essential Functions This position typically provides assistance in overseeing the activities of the Detention Center ...

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Detention Center information

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$25.5K

$50.2K

$79.5K

How much do detention center jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for detention center 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 do I need to become a detention officer?

To become a detention officer, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, pass background checks and drug tests, and complete training provided by the detention facility or law enforcement agency. Some positions may require prior experience in security or law enforcement and certification in first aid or CPR.

How much do you get paid in Harris County Jail?

The salary for detention center roles, such as detention officers, typically ranges from $35,000 to $50,000 annually, depending on experience and location. Entry-level positions may start lower, and additional benefits often include health insurance and retirement plans.

What jobs pay $10,000 a month without a degree?

High-paying jobs that can reach $10,000 a month without a degree include roles such as commercial truck drivers, real estate brokers, sales managers, and certain skilled trades like electricians or plumbers. These positions often require specialized training, certifications, or experience but do not necessarily require a college degree.

What is a detention center?

A detention center is a facility where individuals are held in custody, typically while awaiting trial, sentencing, or deportation. These centers are used to detain people who are suspected of committing crimes, violating immigration laws, or awaiting legal proceedings. Detention centers are operated by government agencies and are designed to ensure the security and supervision of detainees. Conditions and rules within detention centers vary depending on the facility and the population it serves.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Detention Center Officer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Detention Center Officer, you need a solid understanding of security procedures, crisis intervention, and relevant legal regulations, typically supported by a high school diploma or GED and, in some cases, state certification or specialized training. Familiarity with surveillance systems, incident reporting software, and basic self-defense or restraint techniques is often required. Strong interpersonal skills, emotional resilience, and the ability to stay calm under pressure are crucial soft skills for maintaining order and managing detainee interactions. These skills ensure safety, effective facility operations, and the welfare of both staff and detainees in a challenging environment.

Is it hard being a detention officer?

Being a detention officer can be physically and emotionally demanding due to the need to manage potentially aggressive inmates and maintain security. The job often requires strong communication skills, adherence to protocols, and the ability to handle stressful situations consistently. Shift work and exposure to challenging environments are common aspects of the role.

What are some common challenges faced by staff working in a detention center?

Staff in detention centers often encounter challenges such as managing high-stress situations, maintaining safety and order, and effectively communicating with individuals from diverse backgrounds. They may also deal with emotional strain due to the nature of the environment and the need to enforce rules consistently. Building strong teamwork and conflict-resolution skills is essential for navigating these challenges and ensuring a safe, supportive workplace.

What is the difference between Detention Center vs Correctional Officer?

AspectDetention CenterCorrectional Officer
Primary RoleSupervises inmates in detention facilities before trial or sentencingManages inmates in correctional facilities after sentencing
Work EnvironmentJails, detention centers, holding facilitiesPrisons, correctional institutions
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, background check, possibly detention officer certificationHigh school diploma, training academy, certification often required

While both roles involve supervising individuals in secure facilities, detention centers typically house pre-trial detainees, whereas correctional officers work with sentenced inmates in prisons. The skills, environment, and certifications overlap but differ mainly in the facility type and inmate status.

More about Detention Center jobs
What cities are hiring for Detention Center jobs? Cities with the most Detention Center job openings:
What states have the most Detention Center jobs? States with the most job openings for Detention Center jobs include:
Infographic showing various Detention Center job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 17% Full Time, 73% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,155 per year, or $24.1 per hour.

Detention Officer I/II/III

Craven County

New Bern, NC

$47K/yr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Primary Purpose Craven County is recruiting Detentions Officers. Selected candidates may be classified as Detention Officer I, Detention Officer II or Detention Officer III depending upon education, experience, qualifications, and certification. Detention Officer I: Performs a variety of duties in the care and security of prisoners in the Detention Center.

An employee in this class is responsible for performing a variety of duties pertaining to the safety, detention and securing of prisoners in an assigned area of the Detention Center. Considerable tact and firmness are required in frequent contacts with the general public. The employee is required to exercise alertness and some independent judgment in dealing with unusual situations.

Work is performed in accordance with specific instructions and established jail operation policies and procedures. The employee is subject to the usual hazards of detention center management work. Work is performed under the general supervision of a Detention Center Supervisor and is evaluated through observation, review of records and on-site inspections.

Detention Officer II: Performs lead worker duties performing a variety of tasks in the care and security of prisoners in the County Detention Center. An employee in this class is responsible for performing a variety of duties pertaining to the safety, detention and securing of prisoners in the booking area of the Detention Center. Employee performs in a lead worker capacity and provides limited supervision in the absence of a higher-ranking officer.

Considerable tact and firmness are required in frequent contact with the public. The employee is required to exercise alertness and some independent judgment in dealing with unusual situations. Work is performed in accordance with specific instructions and established detention center operation policies and procedures.

The employee is subject to the usual hazards of detention center management work. Work is performed under the general supervision of a Detention Center Supervisor and is evaluated through observation, review of records and on-site inspections. Detention Officer III: Performs lead worker duties performing a variety of tasks in the care and security of prisoners in the County Detention Center, as well as some supervisory duties.

An employee in this class is responsible for performing a variety of duties pertaining to the safety, detention, and securing of prisoners in the booking area of the County Detention Center. The employee performs in a lead worker capacity and will have some limited supervisory job functions when required. Considerable tact and firmness are required in frequent contact with the public.

The employee is required to exercise alertness and some independent judgment in dealing with unusual situations. Work is performed in accordance with specific instructions and established jail operating policies and procedures. The employee is subject to the usual hazards of jail management work.

Work is performed under the general supervision of a Detention Center Supervisor and is evaluated through observation, review of records, and on-site inspections. Essential Functions Detention Officer I: Admit prisoners to the Detention Center; book and search inmates; allow inmates to call attorneys and relatives; call bondsman if necessary; collect personal belongings of inmates for safekeeping and advise prisoners of all detention center rules and regulations. Inspect prisoners and their quarters to ensure cleanliness and sanitation; supervise trustees engaged in cleaning the detention center area and serving food.

Arrange for prisoners to see visitors in specific areas; inspect all items brought into the facility; check incoming and outgoing mail. Patrol the detention center periodically to prevent escapes and maintain order. Assist in preparing and maintaining various paperwork to track inmates while in custody.

Assist in the distribution of all monies that are sent to the inmates. Detention Officer II: Admits prisoners to the Detention Center; ensures that inmates are properly booked and searched and that inmates are allowed calls to attorneys and relatives; collects personal belongings of inmates for safekeeping and advises prisoners of all detention center rules and regulations. Arranges for prisoners to see visitors in specific areas; inspects all items brought into the facility; checks incoming and outgoing mail.

Supervises daily inmate activities. Prepares various paperwork associated with admitting and releasing inmates. Performs duties in a lead worker role and provides limited supervision in the absence of a higher-ranking officer.

Detention Officer III: Admits prisoners to the Detention Center; ensures that inmates are properly booked and searched and that inmates are allowed calls to attorneys and relatives; collects personal belongings of inmates for safekeeping and advises prisoners of all Detention Center rules and regulations. Arranges for prisoners to see visitors in specific areas and times; inspects all items brought into the facility; checks incoming and outgoing mail. Supervises daily inmate activities.

Prepares various paperwork associated with admitting and releasing inmates. Performs duties in a lead worker role and provides area specific supervisory roles when required. Responsible for training and evaluation of new hires and employees who need remedial training.

Will assist the shift sergeant in maintaining employee discipline and work performance as required. All Detention Officers are required to perform general maintenance of the Detention Center facilities and other related work as required. Minimum Education and Experience Detention Officer I: Graduation from high school; or an equivalent combination of experience and training.

The ability to obtain certification as a Detention Officer by the North Carolina Sheriff's Training and Standards Commission within 12 months of the hire date. Some knowledge of practices and procedures involved in detention center management. Some knowledge of local laws, ordinances, and the North Carolina General Statutes pertaining to the commitment, confinement, and release of prisoners.

Ability to maintain discipline and order in the Detention Center. Ability to maintain accurate records. Ability to maintain courteous and tactful relationships with families of inmates, attorneys, ministers, and other persons concerned with the welfare of individual prisoners.

Ability to take prompt and effective action in detention center emergencies. Detention Officer II: Graduation from high school. Two years of experience as a Detention Officer I; or an equivalent combination of experience and training.

Certification as a Detention Officer by the North Carolina Sheriffs Training and Standards Commission. General knowledge of practices and procedures involved in detention center management. General knowledge of local laws, ordinances and the North Carolina General Statutes pertaining to the commitment, confinement, and release of prisoners.

Ability to maintain discipline and order within the facility. Ability to maintain courteous and tactful relationships with families of inmates, attorneys, ministers, and other persons concerned with the welfare of prisoners. Ability to take prompt and effective action in facility emergencies.

Ability to provide limited supervision on an as needed basis. Detention Officer III: High School Diploma, one year experience as a Detention Officer II; or an equivalent combination of experience and training; 1st Line Supervisor Certification or equivalent training and certification; additional Detention Center management training. Certification as a Detention Officer by the North Carolina Sheriffs Training and Standards Commission.

Good working knowledge of practices and procedures involved in Detention Center management. General knowledge of local laws, ordinances and the North Carolina General Statutes pertaining to the commitment, confinement, and release of prisoners. Ability to maintain discipline and order within the facility.

Ability to maintain courteous and tactful relationships with families of inmates, attorneys, ministers, and other persons concerned with the welfare of prisoners. Ability to take prompt and effective action in facility emergencies. Ability to provide limited supervision on an as needed basis.

Additional Information Hiring rate is dependent upon education, experience, qualifications, and certification. Detention Officer I hiring rate: $47,056 for non-certified and $48,152 for certified. Detention Officer II hiring rate is: $49,308 Detention Officer III hiring rate is $54,159 Physical Requirements: Must be physically able to operate a variety of equipment and tools including firearms, restraint devices, cellblock keys, nightsticks, etc.

Must be able to exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. Physical demand requirements are in excess of those for Sedentary Work. Light Work usually requires walking or standing to a significant degree.

However, if the use of arm and/or leg controls requires exertion of forces greater than that for Sedentary Work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated for Medium Work. Interpersonal Communication: Requires the ability of speaking and/or signaling people to convey or exchange information. Includes receiving instructions, assignments or directions from superiors.

Language Ability: Requires the ability to read a variety of records and forms. Requires the ability to prepare a variety of forms, logs, reports, etc., using prescribed formats. Requires the ability to speak to people with poise, voice control and confidence

Verbal Aptitude: Requires the ability to record and deliver information, to explain procedures, to follow oral and written instructions. Must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently in standard English. Motor Coordination: Requires the ability coordinate hands and eyes rapidly and accurately in using law enforcement equipment.

Manual Dexterity: Requires the ability to handle a variety of items such as law enforcement equipment. Must have minimal levels of eye/hand/foot coordination. Interpersonal Temperament: Requires the ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions.

Must be adaptable to performing under stress and when confronted with emergency situations. Physical Communication: Requires the ability to talk and hear: (Talking: expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken words. Hearing: perceiving nature of sounds by ear.) Must be able to communicate via a telephone.