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Detention Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Johnston County

Detention Officer

Smithfield, NC

$55K - $93K/yr

The Detention Officer acts as a processing officer by maintaining inmate information, verifying the completion of necessary forms; assigning appropriate cell location; determining inmate ...

Lewis and Clark County

DETENTION OFFICER

Helena, MT

$37K - $52K/yr

Detention Officers are responsible for ensuring safe and smooth operations of the jail. This includes supervising and monitoring incarcerated individuals, transporting, and overseeing the daily ...

Harnett County

Detention Officer

Lillington, NC

$48K - $79K/yr

Detention Officer: $48,078.00 DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE POSITION: Receives inmates by conducting search, completing required intake forms, photographing and ...

Grays Harbor County, WA

Detention Officer I

Montesano, WA · On-site

$52K - $61K/yr

Work is performed under the general supervision of Detention Officers II and III. While work is closely monitored initially, independence is gradually attained with continued experience and proven ...

Lake County

Detention Officer

Polson, MT · On-site

$25.40/hr

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT DETENTION OFFICER STARTING WAGE INCREASED TO $25.40 per hour As a Detention Officer for Lake County, you will: Supervise, secure, control, and care for inmates in the Detention ...

York County Government

Detention Officer I

York, SC

$45K - $70K/yr

Detention Officer minimum hourly pay rate $23.60 (grade 204), Detention Officer II (grade 205), and Senior Detention Officer (grade 206). This advancement program is subject to change in the ...

CoreCivic

Senior Detention Officer

Eden, TX · On-site

$38K - $52K/yr

We are currently seeking a Senior Detention Officer who has a passion for providing the highest quality care in aninstitutional, secure setting. Come join a team that is dedicated tomaking an impact ...

Smith County

Detention Officer

Tyler, TX

$48K - $61K/yr

The Detention Officer is required to handle multiple tasks simultaneously while being mindful of security operations. The facility is operated 24 hours a day, therefore, shift assignments are ...

CoreCivic

Senior Detention Officer

Watonga, OK · On-site

$35K - $49K/yr

We are currently seeking a Senior Detention Officer who has a passion for providing the highest quality care in aninstitutional, secure setting. Come join a team that is dedicated tomaking an impact ...

CoreCivic

Senior Detention Officer

Appleton, MN · On-site

$39K - $54K/yr

We are currently seeking a Senior Detention Officer who has a passion for providing the highest quality care in aninstitutional, secure setting. Come join a team that is dedicated tomaking an impact ...

Alamance County, NC

Detention Officer

Graham, NC · On-site

$54K/yr

Detention Officers play a vital part in maintaining facility safety and security, preventing and detecting criminal activity, and upholding the criminal laws of North Carolina. Responsibilities ...

CoreCivic

Senior Detention Officer

Eden, TX · On-site

$38K - $52K/yr

We are currently seeking a Senior Detention Officer who has a passion for providing the highest quality care in aninstitutional, secure setting. Come join a team that is dedicated tomaking an impact ...

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Detention Officer information

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$25.5K

$50.2K

$79.5K

How much do detention officer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for detention 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 education do you need to be a detention officer?

To become a detention officer, a high school diploma or equivalent is typically required. Some agencies prefer or require additional training or certification in law enforcement or corrections, and candidates must usually pass background checks and physical fitness tests.

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.

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

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 individual career goals and ability to handle the job's demands.

How hard is it to become a detention officer?

Becoming a detention officer typically requires meeting minimum age and education requirements, passing background checks, and completing training programs that cover security procedures and legal protocols. The process can vary by jurisdiction but generally involves a structured application and certification process, making it moderately challenging for those without prior law enforcement experience.
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Detention Officer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Detention 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 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,155 per year, or $24.1 per hour.

Detention Officer

Johnston County

Smithfield, NC

$55K - $93K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

Johnston County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Description The Detention Center of Johnston County in Smithfield, NC is currently accepting online applications for Detention Officers. This position will be required to work nights and weekends.

The Detention Officer receives inmates and conducts searches for contraband; completes required intake forms; and secures personal property. The Detention Officer acts as a processing officer by maintaining inmate information, verifying the completion of necessary forms; assigning appropriate cell location; determining inmate classification; and maintaining inmate count and cell locations. Duties and Responsibilities Oversees the security and activities of inmates; supervises meals and cleaning of facilities; distributes personal property; monitors inmates' medical status and takes actions when illness or injury is suspected.

Provides non-confidential inmate information to the public, attorney, and bond personnel; maintains files on inmates; searches incoming property delivered to inmates; verifies visitor acceptance by inmate. Releases inmates on bond due to court order or time served; ensures release papers are proper and complete; returns personal property to individual; completes forms providing required documentation of release. Supervises cleaning and maintenance of center facilities and fixtures.

Additional Duties Supervises cleaning and maintenance of Detention Center and fixtures. Coordinates the prisoner commissary program. Performs related clerical work.

Performs related work as required. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Working knowledge of policies and procedures covering inmate security, classification, care, and discipline. Ability to exercise sound judgment in routine and emergency situations.

Ability to work in a confining work environment. Ability to deal tactfully and firmly with inmates and the public. Ability to prepare and maintain accurate records.

Ability to maintain effective working relationships with supervisor, other employees, and the public. Ability to actively listen to inmate conversations and sounds in the facility and exercise judgment in determining potential security problems. Physical Requirements Must be able to physically perform the basic life operational functions of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, reaching, standing, walking, talking, hearing, and perform repetitive motions.

Must be able to perform work exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Must possess the visual acuity to determine accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness of the work assigned. Desired Education and Experience Must be 21 years of age.

High school diploma or equivalent. Must be able to pass a background investigation. Special Requirements Meet the minimum standards set by the State of North Carolina for detention personnel.

Employees in this class must be certified by the Sheriff's Training and Standards Commission within one year of employment. NOTE: This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities or qualifications associated with the job. Other duties may be assigned.

Important Pre-Employment Information: If the position requires a degree, official transcripts must be submitted within 30 days of hire. A pre-employment reference check will be conducted. A background check may be required and may include criminal history, motor vehicle records, sex offender registry checks, pre-employment drug screening, SBI fingerprinting, and, if applicable, a National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB) check.

A conviction record does not automatically disqualify you from employment, unless otherwise required by state law. Each situation is reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

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