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Detention Deputy Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Detention Deputy

Divide, CO · On-site

$33.25 - $34.69/hr

The Detention Deputy is responsible for the care and security of all prisoners and inmates lawfully in the custody of the Sheriff. Performs duties related to the daily operation of the detention ...

FL · On-site

The position of Detention Deputy is responsible for maintaining physical custody and control of inmates within the Flagler County Inmate Facility. This individual is responsible for receiving and ...

Detention Deputy

Divide, CO · On-site

$33.25 - $34.69/hr

The Detention Deputy is responsible for the care and security of all prisoners and inmates lawfully in the custody of the Sheriff. Performs duties related to the daily operation of the detention ...

Showing results 21-40

Detention Deputy information

See salary details

$31.5K

$57.1K

$84.5K

How much do detention deputy jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for detention deputy in the United States is $57,103.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,000.00 and $65,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is a detention deputy a law enforcement officer?

A detention deputy is a law enforcement officer responsible for overseeing individuals in detention facilities, such as jails or detention centers. They enforce rules, maintain security, and may carry firearms, often requiring law enforcement certification or training. Their role is distinct from patrol officers but involves similar law enforcement authority within detention settings.

What is the difference between Detention Deputy vs Correctional Officer?

AspectDetention DeputyCorrectional Officer
CredentialsHigh school diploma or GED, basic law enforcement trainingHigh school diploma or GED, correctional training
Work EnvironmentJails, detention centers, law enforcement facilitiesPrisons, detention centers, correctional facilities
Employer & IndustryLaw enforcement agencies, sheriff's officesPrison systems, correctional institutions
Job FocusSupervising detainees, maintaining security, enforcing lawsMonitoring inmates, ensuring safety, enforcing facility rules

Both Detention Deputies and Correctional Officers work in detention facilities and require similar credentials. However, Detention Deputies often have law enforcement responsibilities and may carry firearms, while Correctional Officers focus on inmate supervision and security within correctional institutions. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find the right fit in the criminal justice field.

What is a detention deputy?

Detention deputies oversee a group of inmates that are in prison. Their job duties include ensuring the inmates remain in confinement, supervising the delivery of meals to the inmates, searching inmates for contraband, and monitoring the security of the inmates during daily activities. The qualifications to pursue a career as a detention deputy include a high school diploma or equivalent, some experience in law enforcement, and physical stamina.

What are some common challenges faced by detention deputies in their daily duties?

Detention Deputies often encounter challenging situations such as managing difficult inmate behavior, maintaining order during high-stress incidents, and ensuring the safety of both inmates and staff. The role requires strong communication skills and the ability to remain calm under pressure, as deputies must de-escalate conflicts and enforce facility rules consistently. Additionally, adapting to rotating shifts and maintaining physical and mental resilience are important aspects of the job.

Is detention deputy a good job?

A detention deputy is responsible for supervising inmates in correctional facilities, ensuring safety and security. The role requires strong communication skills, physical fitness, and adherence to protocols, often involving shift work and potential exposure to stressful situations. It can be a stable career with opportunities for advancement in law enforcement or corrections.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a detention deputy, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Detention Deputy, you need a high school diploma or equivalent, completion of law enforcement or corrections academy training, and knowledge of jail operations and inmate supervision. Familiarity with jail management software, security systems, and defensive tactics is typically required, along with relevant state certifications. Strong communication, conflict resolution, and stress management skills help you interact effectively with inmates and colleagues. These competencies are crucial to ensure safety, maintain order, and uphold legal and ethical standards within correctional facilities.
What cities are hiring for Detention Deputy jobs? Cities with the most Detention Deputy job openings:
Who are the top companies hiring for Detention Deputy jobs? The top employers for Detention Deputy jobs are:
What states have the most Detention Deputy jobs? States with the most job openings for Detention Deputy jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Detention Deputy jobs? For Detention Deputy jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Detention Deputy job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 94% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,103 per year, or $27.5 per hour.

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Polk County Sheriff's Office (Florida) rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

37th of 44 rated police


Job description

Position Concept

The Detention Deputy monitors, controls and accounts for incarcerated inmates and civilian visitors while at the Polk County Sheriff's Office detention facilities.

The most important and essential job function of the position is attitude which includes the following: interacting positively and cooperating with co-workers, responding politely to customers, delivering customer service, working as a team member, functioning under intense pressure and responding in a positive manner to supervision.

The Detention Deputy may perform other related duties and tasks, as required and shall have the physical, mental and emotional abilities to perform the essential job duties of the position.

Employee Benefits

  • Medical, Dental, Vision
  • 10 Paid Holidays
  • Paid Time Off
  • Direct Deposit, Bi-Weekly Pay Checks
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Education Incentives
  • Free Employee Health Clinic
  • Wellness Incentives
  • FRS Retirement
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Free Employee Gym
  • Life Insurance
  • Deferred Compensation Plan

Essential Functions

Security

  • Operate remote control panel
  • Operate manual cell locks
  • Conduct inmate counts
  • Verify inmate counts
  • Patrol/observe housing/confinement areas
  • Maintain security of keys
  • Maintain control room or office logs
  • Control civilian traffic in restricted areas
  • Patrol and inspect perimeter of facility
  • Operate jail or annex sally ports or gates
  • Monitor closed-circuit television
  • Escort visitors or vendors
  • Supervise inmate barber
  • Prevent escape attempts
  • Obtain medical or dental assistance
  • Report unusual emergency situations
  • Direct evacuation
  • Apply restraints
  • Subdue disorderly inmates
  • Search confinement areas
  • Search inmate property
  • Strip-search inmate
  • Housing Management

    • Verify office log
    • Maintain housing or dormitory log
    • Supervise inmates during recreation
    • Observe inmate in medical isolation
    • Inspect fire fighting equipment
    • Resolve inmate disputes
    • Supervise trusty distributing food trays
    • Supervise inmates during medical visit
    • Move inmate in and out of cell
    • Operations

      • Receive/issue weapons and ammunition
      • Inventory weapons and ammunition
      • Report sabotage, pilferage, violations
      • Answer inmate questions
      • Maintain restraint equipment inventory
      • Prepare disciplinary report
      • Report and record found contraband
      • Investigate disciplinary report
      • Participate in disciplinary board
      • Conduct facility tours
      • Testify or appear in court
      • Fire weapons on range qualification
      • Collect DNA
      • Inmate Property, Mail and Money

        • Collect, sort or distribute institutional mail
        • Sort and distribute inmate mail
        • Distribute completed commissary orders
        • Distribute/collect inmate commissary order
        • Collect and accurately count money
        • Transportation

          • Supervise inmates during transport
          • Maintain security of inmates
          • Operate transport vehicles
          • Transport inmates to/from outside facilities
          • Supervise inmates outside of facilities
          • Prepare and complete travel record
          • Communicate with other facilities
          • Visitation/Recreation

            • Observe contact and non-contact visits
            • Search visitors
            • Sign up visitors
            • Sign up inmates for recreation
            • Maintain security of inmates at recreation
            • Maintain statistical data
            • Ensure compliance with visitation and recreation standards
            • Administrative

              • Assist the Support Section Commander
              • Procure and deliver office supplies
              • Order uniform supplies
              • Deliver inter-office mail
              • Receive and return messages
              • Maintain office supplies
              • Attorney Booth

                • Coordinate and monitor inmate visit
                • Booking

                  • Verify intake information
                  • Fingerprint inmates
                  • Verify inmate identity
                  • Photograph inmate
                  • Oversee delousing process
                  • Maintain inmate property inventory list
                  • Return Inmate property
                  • Collect DNA
                  • Disciplinary Review Board

                    • Prepare and distribute restrictions list
                    • Conduct disciplinary review and hearing
                    • Review disciplinary report form
                    • Distribute disciplinary review form
                    • Assemble disciplinary report histories
                    • Conduct appeal hearings
                    • Food Service

                      • Provide training materials
                      • Inspect food or drink
                      • Issue or receive supplies
                      • Maintain sanitary facility
                      • Issue, inventory, receive utensils
                      • Provide meals for inmates
                      • Intoxilyzer Maintenance

                        • Conduct intoxilyzer breath test
                        • Maintain intoxilyzer
                        • Judicial Complex

                          • Monitor inmate court appearance
                          • Verify inmate location
                          • Distribute court lists, correspondence
                          • Conduct security patrol
                          • Dual Certified

                            • Document criminal offenses
                            • Trusty Supervisor

                              • Ensure compliance with standards
                              • Select inmates for trusty status
                              • Oversee distribution of laundry items
                              • Oversee distribution of hygiene items
                              • Maintain yard and laundry equipment
                              • Oversee cleanliness of facility
                              • Maintain linens and other items
                              • Oversee grounds keeping
                              • Transport trusties to work site
                              • Oversee car wash
                              • Maintain inmate telephones and televisions
                              • Weekender Program

                                • Conduct weekend program
                                • Obtain materials for program
                                • Assist Unit sergeant
                                • Set-up inmate folders
                                • Assist Transportation Unit
                                • K-9

                                  • Perform demonstrations
                                  • Conduct building search
                                  • Conduct area search
                                  • Maintain and sanitize K-9 Kennel cage
                                  • Maintain K-9
                                  • Attend training
                                  • Conduct area search for drugs
                                  • Complete activity log of training
                                  • Complete monthly activity log
                                  • Complete all required documentation
                                  • Education, Professional Certification or License

                                    • High School or GED
                                    • Valid Florida driver's license
                                    • State of Florida, Basic Recruit Certificate of Corrections Compliance after completion of training in accordance with the Florida Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission
                                    • Successful completion of the Polk County Sheriff's Office Floor Training and Evaluation Program
                                    • Dual certification required for K-9 assignment

                                    Professional Experience


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