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Detention Officer Trainee Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Job Summary Join our team as a Detention Officer/Trainee, where you'll play a critical role in maintaining safety and security within our facilities. We're looking for motivated individuals with ...

The Detention Officer's summary of duties includes, performs administrative, clerical, and manual ... If not successful in passing the final exam, the trainee will not graduate from the training ...

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Detention Officer Trainee information

See salary details

$25.5K

$50.2K

$79.5K

How much do detention officer trainee jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for detention officer trainee 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 trainee?

Detention Officer Trainees are entry-level employees who work in correctional facilities, such as jails or detention centers, while undergoing training to become fully qualified Detention Officers. They assist in supervising inmates, maintaining security, and performing various duties under the guidance of experienced officers. Their responsibilities may include monitoring inmate activities, conducting searches, and ensuring the safety of both staff and detainees. During their training period, they learn procedures, policies, and legal requirements necessary for the role. Upon successful completion of training and any required examinations, they may be promoted to Detention Officer positions.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a detention officer trainee?

To thrive as a Detention Officer Trainee, you need a high school diploma or equivalent, physical fitness, and a solid understanding of safety and security procedures. Familiarity with security monitoring systems, incident reporting software, and basic first aid certifications are typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, emotional resilience, and the ability to remain calm under pressure set outstanding candidates apart. These skills are vital for maintaining safety, ensuring order, and effectively managing challenging situations within detention facilities.

What are common challenges faced by detention officer trainees during their initial training period?

Detention Officer Trainees often encounter challenges such as adapting to a structured and disciplined environment, learning to manage confrontational or stressful situations with professionalism, and quickly mastering detailed procedures for inmate supervision, safety, and facility security. Adjusting to shift work, including nights and weekends, is another common hurdle. However, support from experienced officers and comprehensive training programs help trainees build confidence and competence as they transition into the role.

What is the difference between Detention Officer Trainee vs Detention Officer?

AspectDetention Officer TraineeDetention Officer
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; training programCompleted training; certification/license often required
Work EnvironmentTraining setting, supervisedFull-duty detention facility
Job StatusEntry-level, trainee statusFull employee role

The main difference is that a Detention Officer Trainee is in training and supervised, while a Detention Officer has completed training and performs full duties independently. Trainees are preparing to handle the responsibilities of detention work, whereas Detention Officers are fully qualified staff managing detainees and security.

More about Detention Officer Trainee jobs

What cities are hiring for Detention Officer Trainee jobs?

Cities with the most Detention Officer Trainee job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Detention Officer jobs?

The most popular types of Detention Officer jobs are:

What states have the most Detention Officer Trainee jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Detention Officer Trainee job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $50,155 per year, or $24.1 per hour.

Detention Officer Trainee/Detention Officer

City of Mesa

Mesa, AZ • On-site

$50K - $76K/yr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago


City Of Mesa rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 30 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

218th of 846 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Description/Duties The current recruitment will be used to fill vacancies at either the Detention Officer Trainee or Detention Officer level in the Mesa Police Department, depending on work experience. This recruitment will also establish Eligible Lists which may be used to fill future vacancies. The City of Mesa is excited to offer a hiring bonus of $2,000.00 for this position

Half of the bonus ($1,000.00) will be paid after 30 days of hire, and the second half ($1,000.00) will be paid upon successful completion of Mesa's Detention Officer training program. Detention Officer Trainee ($50,979.97 - $72,855.12) A Detention Officer Trainee learns to perform the full scope of duties of a Detention Officer through a structured, on-the-job training program in accordance with established procedures and requirements set forth in federal/state laws, City ordinances, and department orders. Duties that are learned include: taking custody of inmates from arresting officers; booking inmates into the City jail by completing required documentation and forms; fingerprinting inmates; verifying the identification of persons in custody and checking for outstanding warrants; escorting inmates to and from court and processing necessary paperwork; handling video arraignment court sessions for inmates; coordinating and communicating with other jail facilities regarding inmate transfer and movement; performing field drug testing on drugs found on the individual; processing evidence discovered on inmate; applying electronic monitoring devices to inmates per court orders; and bonding out inmates according to established guidelines

A Detention Officer Trainee learns to be responsible for the security and welfare of inmates, which involves providing meals and dispensing medicine, as well as maintaining the jail. This class is responsible for performing related duties as required. This is a civilian, trainee class that works in the City's detention facility, which operates twenty-four hours a day, seven days per week.

Training received is in an academy format and requires learning and applying specific knowledge and skills relative to the booking, detention, and release of adult inmates. As training progresses, employees are expected to demonstrate the ability to work independently and exercise good judgment under pressure in order to maintain a secure and orderly detention facility. An employee in this class is subject to verbal and physical abuse from inmates, required to physically search inmates, and use sufficient legal force to restrain violent/combative/mentally ill inmates.

Supervision is received from a Detention Sergeant. An employee can progress to the classification of Detention Officer after successful completion of training and achievement of satisfactory performance evaluations. Employees in this class work rotating shifts, including holidays and weekends.

This class is FLSA nonexempt. Transport Assignment: One of the responsibilities of the holding facility and its detention staff is the transporting of inmates to and from the county jail and other law enforcement agencies. This assignment requires a Detention Officer Trainee to carry a firearm, complete additional training, and complete and maintain firearms qualifications.

Detention Officer ($53,511.54 - $76,472.86) A Detention Officer performs responsible work in operating a twenty-four hour/day City detention facility in accordance with established procedures and requirements set forth in federal/state laws, City ordinances, and department orders. Duties include: taking custody of prisoners from arresting officers; booking prisoners into the City jail by completing required documentation and forms; fingerprinting prisoners; verifying the identification of persons in custody and checking for outstanding warrants; transporting prisoners to and from the county jail and other law enforcement agencies; escorting prisoners to and from court and processing necessary paperwork; handling video arraignment court sessions for prisoners; and bonding out prisoners according to established guidelines. A Detention Officer is also responsible for the security and welfare of prisoners, which involves providing meals and dispensing medicine, as well as maintaining the jail

This class is responsible for performing related duties as required. A Detention Officer has successfully completed the structured training program required of a Detention Officer Trainee. The work requires the application of specific knowledge and skills relative to the booking, detention, and release of male and female adult prisoners.

Work is performed under the supervision of a Detention Sergeant; however, incumbents often work without direct supervision and are expected to exercise independent initiative and judgment in maintaining a secure and orderly detention facility. An employee in this class is subject to verbal and physical abuse from prisoners, and is required to physically search prisoners and use sufficient legal force to restrain violent/combative prisoners. A Detention Officer works rotating shifts, including holidays and weekends.

This class is FLSA nonexempt. Transport Assignment: Incumbents will be required to carry a firearm. Please refer to the link below for the full job description and additional information regarding assignments, preferred qualifications, and essential functions.

Qualifications & Requirements Employee Values: All employees of the City of Mesa are expected to uphold and exhibit the City's shared employee values of Knowledge, Respect, and Integrity. Detention Officer Trainee Minimum Qualifications Required. Any combination of training, education, and experience equivalent to graduation from high school or GED.

A minimum of one year of public contact experience. Transport Assignment: Incumbents are required to complete Armed Civilian Transport training within one year of hire date and must complete and maintain firearms qualifications. Special Requirements.

Because of the confidential, sensitive nature of information handled, successful completion of a background investigation and polygraph is required. Candidates given a conditional job offer will be required to successfully complete a psychological evaluation. Must possess a valid Class D Arizona Driver's License by hire or promotion date.

Transport Assignment: Required to pass a more detailed psychological evaluation. Substance Abuse Testing. Due to the safety and/or security sensitive nature of this classification, individuals shall be subject to pre-employment/pre-placement and random alcohol, drug and/or controlled substance testing as outlined in City policy and procedures.

Preferred/Desirable Qualification. Employment experience as a sworn law enforcement officer, corrections/detention officer, or military experience is highly desirable. Detention Officer Minimum Qualifications Required.

Any combination of training, education, and experience equivalent to graduation from high school or GED and a minimum of one year's detention officer/corrections officer/sworn police officer experience OR successful completion of the structured training program for a Detention Officer Trainee. Transport Assignment: Incumbents are required to complete Armed Civilian Transport training within one year of hire date and must complete and maintain firearms qualifications. Special Requirements.

Because of the confidential, sensitive nature of information handled, successful completion of a background investigation and polygraph is required. Candidates given a conditional job offer will be required to successfully complete a psychological evaluation. Must possess a valid Class D Arizona Driver's License by hire or promotion date.

Transport Assignment: Required to pass a more detailed psychological evaluation. Substance Abuse Testing. Due to the safety and/or security sensitive nature of this classification, individuals shall be subject to pre-employment/pre-placement and random alcohol, drug and/or controlled substance testing as outlined in City policy and procedures.

Preferred/Desirable Qualification. Employment experience as a sworn law enforcement officer, corrections/detention officer, or military experience is highly desirable. Link to Job Description Detention Officer Trainee: http://apps.mesaaz.gov/jobdescriptions/Documents/JobDescriptions/cs3639.pdf Detention Officer: http://apps.mesaaz.gov/jobdescriptions/Documents/JobDescriptions/cs3930.pdf


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