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Detention Enforcement Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Spectrum Security Services

Detention Officer

Adelanto, CA · On-site

$45.04/hr

Spectrum Security Services, Inc. would like to encourage you apply for the Detention Officer (DO ... OR A minimum of one-year experience as a law enforcement officer or military police officer.; * A ...

York County Government

Detention Officer I

York, SC · On-site

$23.83/hr

If a candidate is selected as a sworn Detention Officer and not certified as a Class II law enforcement officer in South Carolina, the candidate will be required to attend the South Carolina Criminal ...

Bryan County

DETENTION OFFICER

Pembroke, GA · On-site

$36K - $50K/yr

The Bryan County Sheriff's Office is now accepting applications for Detention Officer . Minimum ... O.S.T certification as basic law enforcement officer. Please apply and complete forms below in ...

Harris County

Detention Officer

Houston, TX · On-site

$46K/yr

Previous Law Enforcement or Corrections work experience Honorable discharge form the United States ... as a Detention Officer with the Harris County Sheriff's Office Location: Downtown, Houston, TX ...

Harris County, TX

Detention Officer

Houston, TX · On-site

$38K - $52K/yr

Previous Law Enforcement or Corrections work experience * Honorable discharge form the United ... Detention Officer with the Harris County Sheriff's Office Location: * Downtown, Houston, TX Hours ...

Harris County

Detention Officer

Houston, TX · On-site

$46K/yr

Previous Law Enforcement or Corrections work experience Honorable discharge form the United States ... as a Detention Officer with the Harris County Sheriff's Office Location: Downtown, Houston, TX ...

Lewis and Clark County

DETENTION OFFICER

Helena, MT · On-site

$37K - $52K/yr

Are you looking for a rewarding career in law enforcement? Do you desire ongoing professional ... Detention Officers are responsible for ensuring safe and smooth operations of the jail. This ...

Cass County Government

Detention Officer

Fargo, ND · On-site

$55K/yr

Cass County, North Dakota, is seeking dedicated individuals to join our law enforcement team as full-time Detention Officers . This is an excellent opportunity for those interested in a meaningful ...

Catawba County Government

$48K/yr

Salary negotiable for applicants with prior law enforcement, detention, or corrections experience Shift differential of $2 an hour provided for night shift Detention Officers with advanced degrees ...

Grant County, NM

Detention Officer

Silver City, NM · On-site

$36K - $49K/yr

Officer is responsible for enforcement of rules & regulations in detention facility, preventing escapes & riots, maintaining order & discipline among inmates, and escorting inmates to and from cells ...

Scotland County, NC

Detention Officer

Laurinburg, NC · On-site

$40K - $44K/yr

Employees are subject to hazards in law enforcement work including working inside a jail ... Typical Qualifications Graduation from high school supplemented by detention officer certification ...

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Detention Enforcement Officer information

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$25.5K

$50.2K

$79.5K

How much do detention enforcement officer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for detention enforcement officer 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 enforcement officer?

Detention Enforcement Officers are law enforcement professionals responsible for overseeing individuals who have been detained by immigration authorities. Their duties include monitoring detainees, ensuring facility security, transporting individuals between locations, and maintaining order within detention centers. They work closely with other law enforcement and correctional personnel to uphold safety and compliance with regulations. Detention Enforcement Officers play a crucial role in managing the custody and movement of individuals awaiting immigration proceedings or removal from the country.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a detention enforcement officer?

To thrive as a Detention Enforcement Officer, you need knowledge of law enforcement procedures, physical fitness, and a high school diploma or equivalent, often supplemented by specialized training or certification in corrections. Familiarity with security systems, surveillance technology, and incident reporting software is commonly required. Strong interpersonal skills, stress management, and the ability to remain calm under pressure help officers effectively interact with detainees and colleagues. These competencies are crucial for maintaining safety, enforcing regulations, and ensuring the secure and orderly operation of detention facilities.

What are some typical challenges detention enforcement officers face when working with detainees from diverse backgrounds?

Detention Enforcement Officers often interact with individuals from various cultural, linguistic, and socioeconomic backgrounds, which can present communication barriers and misunderstandings. Officers must remain aware of cultural sensitivities while maintaining safety and enforcing facility rules. Building rapport and managing conflicts respectfully and effectively are essential skills, as they help promote a safe environment for both staff and detainees. Ongoing training and support from the team are typically available to help officers navigate these challenges.

What is the difference between Detention Enforcement Officer vs Bailiff?

AspectDetention Enforcement OfficerBailiff
CredentialsTypically requires a high school diploma, training, and sometimes certification in law enforcement or securityHigh school diploma or equivalent; some positions may require law enforcement or security training
Work EnvironmentEnforces court orders, manages detention facilities, and ensures compliance with legal proceduresMaintains order in courtrooms, assists judges, and ensures courtroom security
Employer & IndustryCourts, law enforcement agencies, detention centersCourts, government agencies, legal institutions
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared due to enforcement and security roles within the legal system

While both roles operate within the legal system, Detention Enforcement Officers focus on managing detainees and enforcing detention-related orders, whereas Bailiffs primarily maintain courtroom order and assist judges during proceedings.

What states have the most Detention Enforcement Officer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Detention Enforcement Officer jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Detention Enforcement Officer jobs?

For Detention Enforcement Officer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Detention Enforcement Officer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Detention Enforcement Officer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, and 4% 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

Adelanto, CA • On-site

SPECTRUM SECURITY SERVICES INC
51 - 200 employees
Learn more about SPECTRUM SECURITY SERVICES INCexternal

$45.04/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago

Job description

Description

Spectrum Security Services, Inc. would like to encourage you apply for the Detention Officer (DO) position. The DO provides security and support services for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The work involves guarding and caring for detainees that are under the jurisdiction of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Since this is a position of public trust, ICE requires a thorough background check.

Requirements

A highly qualified candidate for this position has prior experience guarding prisoners and/or detainees as a correctional officer, jailer, or detention officer. 


Minimum qualifications include having the following:

  • Six months of experience as a security officer engaged in functions related to detaining civil or administrative detainees; OR A two-year college degree or related professional training, and six months of experience as a security officer; OR A minimum of one-year experience as a law enforcement officer or military police officer.;
  • A willingness to work on-call, accept sporadic assignments, and take challenging duties in environments such as, hospitals, psychiatric institutions, hotels, and federal facilities;
  • The ability to pass a medical examination: be free of serious physical ailments such as epilepsy, heart, lung, and skeletal defects, and mental health conditions;
  • No criminal record (NCIC records will be checked by DHS);
  • No illegal substance use history;
  • A good driving record without serious infractions;
  • A good credit history;
  • Be at least 21 years of age;
  • An active registration through BSIS as a Security Guard;
  • An active registration through BSIS to carry an Exposed Weapon;
  • Current valid certifications for training in First Aid, CPR, and Bloodborne Pathogens.

Department of Homeland Security Background Check:

This position requires that the candidate be determined to be suitable for a position of public trust by a DHS background investigation prior to employment.

Apply