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Detention Officer Jobs in Decatur, GA (NOW HIRING)

College Park, City of (GA)

Part-Time Jailer

Atlanta, GA

$38K - $52K/yr

Ability to obtain POST certification (Peace Officer Standard Training) as a "Basic Jail Officer". Must be able to use tact and courtesy in dealing with the public. Must be able to analyze and ...

City of College Park, GA

Part-Time Jailer

College Park, GA · On-site

$38K - $52K/yr

Ability to obtain POST certification (Peace Officer Standard Training) as a "Basic Jail Officer". * Must be able to use tact and courtesy in dealing with the public. * Must be able to analyze and ...

GovernmentJobs.com

FIRE SAFETY OFFICER - MPA3

Rex, GA · On-site

Fire Safety Officer The Fulton County Sheriff's Office is seeking a highly skilled and technically proficient Fire Safety Officer to oversee all fire- and life-safety programs within our detention ...

Fulton County, GA

CHIEF JAILER

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$135K - $183K/yr

Personnel Management • Provides leadership and direction to command staff, supervisors, detention officers, and civilian personnel. • Oversees training, performance, and professional development ...

Fulton County

CHIEF JAILER

Atlanta, GA

$135K - $183K/yr

Personnel Management Provides leadership and direction to command staff, supervisors, detention officers, and civilian personnel. Oversees training, performance, and professional development for all ...

Fulton County

FIRE SAFETY OFFICER - MPA3

Atlanta, GA

$80K - $93K/yr

The Fire Safety Officer serves as the agency's subject-matter expert on fire prevention, fire ... Experience in detention, corrections, industrial, or high-risk environments preferred. Strong ...

City of Alpharetta, GA

Police Officer

Alpharetta, GA

$61K - $97K/yr

Applicants hired as uncertified Police Officers may be assigned to work at the Alpharetta City Jail ... Transports arrestees to detention centers and oversees booking. Serves as a witness in court as ...

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All JobsDetention Officer JobsDetention Officer Jobs in Decatur, GA

Detention Officer information

See Decatur, GA salary details

$24.9K

$49K

$77.6K

How much do detention officer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for detention officer in Decatur, GA is $48,968.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,100.00 and $53,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Detention Officer, you need a solid understanding of correctional procedures, legal guidelines, and safety protocols, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent and specialized detention or law enforcement training. Familiarity with security monitoring systems, incident reporting software, and restraint equipment is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, emotional resilience, and the ability to remain calm under pressure help manage inmate behavior and resolve conflicts. These skills are crucial for maintaining facility security, ensuring legal compliance, and promoting safety for both staff and inmates.

What Is a Detention Officer?

A detention officer is responsible for supervising detained or incarcerated inmates in state-run facilities like jails and prisons. Some officers have duties in courtrooms and juvenile detention centers. In this job, you ensure inmates conduct themselves in a safe and orderly manner. You observe and report questionable behavior to superior officers, such as the prison warden. You may be required to physically detain unruly inmates. You may also be required to escort inmates to and from the facility for transfers and court appearances.

How to become a detention officer?

To become a detention officer, applicants typically need to be at least 18 years old, pass a background check, and complete a detention officer training program approved by the state. Some positions may require a high school diploma or equivalent, and candidates often need to demonstrate good communication skills and physical fitness.

Is a detention officer a real officer?

A detention officer is a real law enforcement professional responsible for supervising inmates in jails or detention centers. They enforce rules, ensure safety, and may need training or certification depending on the jurisdiction.

What are Detention Officers?

Detention Officers are law enforcement professionals responsible for overseeing and managing individuals who have been arrested and are awaiting trial or serving short-term sentences in jails or detention facilities. They maintain the safety, security, and order within these facilities by supervising inmates, conducting searches, and enforcing rules and regulations. Detention Officers also handle inmate intake and release procedures, respond to emergencies, and work closely with other law enforcement personnel. Their role is crucial in ensuring a safe environment for both inmates and staff within correctional institutions.

What are some typical challenges Detention Officers face in managing inmate behavior, and how are these addressed on the job?

Detention Officers frequently encounter challenges such as de-escalating conflicts, enforcing facility rules, and maintaining order among inmates with diverse backgrounds. These situations require strong communication skills, vigilance, and adherence to established protocols. Officers are trained in conflict resolution, crisis intervention, and safety procedures to address these challenges effectively. Teamwork and regular briefings with colleagues and supervisors also play a critical role in ensuring a safe and secure environment.

Is being a detention officer worth it?

A detention officer is responsible for supervising inmates and maintaining security in correctional facilities. The job offers steady employment, benefits, and opportunities for advancement, but it can involve high-stress situations and exposure to violence. Whether it is worth it depends on personal interest in law enforcement and ability to handle challenging environments.

Do you need experience to be a detention officer?

While prior experience is not always required to become a detention officer, having relevant skills such as communication, conflict resolution, and knowledge of security procedures can be beneficial. Many agencies provide on-the-job training and require candidates to meet minimum qualifications like a high school diploma or equivalent. Certifications in first aid or security may also be advantageous.
More about Detention Officer jobs
What job categories do people searching Detention Officer jobs in Decatur, GA look for? The top searched job categories for Detention Officer jobs in Decatur, GA are:
What cities near Decatur, GA are hiring for Detention Officer jobs? Cities near Decatur, GA with the most Detention Officer job openings:
Detention Officer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Detention Officer job openings in Decatur, GA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 90% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,968 per year, or $23.5 per hour.

Laboratory Science Officer

CDC/ATSDR Public Health Internships and Fellowships

Atlanta, GA • On-site

$156K/yr

Other

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

This position is located in the Department of Health and Human Services, National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia.Qualifications:WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
Basic Qualifications:
Bachelor's or graduate/higher level degree: major study in an academic field related to the medical field, health sciences or allied sciences appropriate to the work of the position. This degree must be from an educational program from an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education(external link) at the time the degree was obtained.
Minimum Qualifications:
You must have one year specialized experience to perform successfully the duties of the position. To be creditable, specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the GS-14 grade level in the Federal service performing ALL of the following:
  • Providing senior-level scientific and technical leadership in laboratory science programs related to public health
  • Coordinating laboratory activities across federal, state, local, and international partners
  • Providing expert consultation on scientific issues such as laboratory diagnostics, biosafety, and research methodologies

Documenting experience: IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Qualifications are based on breadth/level of experience. In addition to describing duties performed, applicants must provide the exact dates of each period of employment (from MM/YY to MM/YY) and the number of hours worked per week if part time. As qualification determinations cannot be made when resumes do not include the required information, failure to provide this information may result in disqualification. Applicants are encouraged to use the USAJOBS Resume Builder to develop their federal resume.
Do not copy and paste the duties, specialized experience, or occupational application questionnaire from this announcement into your resume as that will not be considered a demonstration of your qualifications for this position.
In accordance with Office of Personnel Management policy, federal employees are assumed to have gained experience by performing duties and responsibilities appropriate for their official series and grade level as described in their position description. Experience that would not normally be part of the employee's position is creditable, however, when documented by satisfactory evidence, such as a signed memorandum from the employee's supervisor or an SF-50 or SF-52 documenting an official detail or other official assignment. The documentation must indicate whether the duties were performed full time or, if part time, the "percentage of times" the other duties were performed. It is expected that this documentation is included in the employee's official personnel record. In order to receive credit for experience in your resume that is not within the official series and grade level of your official position, you must provide a copy of the appropriate documentation of such experience as indicated above.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through national Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to gain employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. If such experience is on a part-time basis, you must provide the average number of hours worked per week as well as the beginning and ending dates of the experience so it can be fully credited.
OPM Qualification General Policies WebsiteEducation:Foreign Education: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show that the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov.
Note: Applications can be accepted from students who expect to complete qualifying education within 9 months from the date of application. Education was completed successfully before the applicant can be appointed.Employment Type: OTHER

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