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Detention Service Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

DETENTION SERVICE OFFICER (GENERIC)

Dallas, TX · On-site

$39K - $54K/yr

To start as a Detention Service Officer recruit, this position requires successful completion of a polygraph exam, psychological exam, and extensive background investigation In order to become a full ...

Detention Services Officer

Gilroy, CA · On-site

$84K - $113K/yr

... Detention Services Officer in the Gilroy Police Department (GPD). $7,040.17 - $9,434.17 Monthly ... service (Step F) and ten years of service (Step G), one year at the prior step, and good ...

... Detention Services Officer in the Gilroy Police Department (GPD). $7,040.17 - $9,434.17 Monthly ... service (Step F) and ten years of service (Step G), one year at the prior step, and good ...

Senior Detention Officer

Estancia, NM · On-site

$37K - $51K/yr

$30.27 per hour At CoreCivic, our employees are driven bya deep sense of service, high standards of ... We are currently seeking a Senior Detention Officer who has a passion for providing the highest ...

Senior Detention Officer

Appleton, MN · On-site

$39K - $54K/yr

$36.08 per hour At CoreCivic, our employees are driven bya deep sense of service, high standards of ... We are currently seeking a Senior Detention Officer who has a passion for providing the highest ...

Senior Detention Officer

Leavenworth, KS · On-site

$38K - $52K/yr

$31.36 per hour At CoreCivic, our employees are driven bya deep sense of service, high standards of ... We are currently seeking a Senior Detention Officer who has a passion for providing the highest ...

Detention Officer

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$21.19/hr

DETENTION SERVICES Opening Date: 05/12/2026 Job Summary The Detention Officer enforces rules and regulations governing the operation of the Pascua Yaqui Detention facility and the confinement, safety ...

Detention Officer

Chandler, AZ · On-site

$28.83 - $38.92/hr

Police Division: 2071-POLICE DETENTION SERVICES Opening Date: 09/08/2026 Closing Date: 9/22/2026 11 ... Assists officers with intake and booking processes and Releases prisoners from jail upon court ...

Ensure compliance with tribal, state, and federal laws related to Detention Services. Follow ... Pascua Yaqui Police Officers with transports, of arrested subjects and/or prisoners to local ...

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Detention Service Officer information

See salary details

$25.5K

$50.2K

$79.5K

How much do detention service officer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for detention service 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 service officer?

Detention Service Officers are professionals responsible for overseeing individuals who are in custody awaiting trial, sentencing, or transfer to another facility. They maintain security and order within detention centers, process new inmates, conduct regular checks, and ensure the safety of both staff and detainees. Their duties often include supervising inmates’ daily activities, transporting prisoners, and responding to emergencies. Detention Service Officers play a crucial role in upholding legal and institutional policies within correctional settings.

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

To thrive as a Detention Service Officer, you need a solid understanding of correctional procedures, legal guidelines, and safety protocols, often supported by a high school diploma and specialized training or certification. Familiarity with security systems, incident reporting software, and communication equipment is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, resilience, and sound judgment help in managing detainees and resolving conflicts effectively. These skills and qualities are essential for maintaining facility security, ensuring safety, and upholding the rights and wellbeing of all individuals in custody.

What are some common challenges faced by detention service officers and how can they be managed effectively?

Detention Service Officers often encounter challenges such as managing detainee behavior, maintaining safety and security, and handling high-pressure situations. Effective communication, conflict resolution skills, and adherence to established protocols are essential for addressing these issues. Additionally, working as part of a team and participating in ongoing training can help officers stay prepared and resilient in dynamic environments. Support from supervisors and peers also plays a crucial role in managing the emotional and physical demands of the role.

What is the difference between Detention Service Officer vs Correctional Officer?

AspectDetention Service OfficerCorrectional Officer
CredentialsHigh school diploma or GED, background check, basic trainingHigh school diploma or GED, training academy, background check
Work EnvironmentJails, detention centers, security facilitiesPrisons, correctional facilities, detention centers
Employer & IndustryLaw enforcement agencies, detention centersState and federal correctional institutions
Job FocusSupervising detainees, maintaining security, enforcing rulesSupervising inmates, security, rehabilitation programs

Both roles involve supervising detainees and maintaining security within detention facilities. While they share similar credentials and work environments, Correctional Officers typically work in prisons and focus more on inmate rehabilitation, whereas Detention Service Officers often work in jails or detention centers with a focus on security and detainee management.

What cities are hiring for Detention Service Officer jobs?

Cities with the most Detention Service Officer job openings:

What states have the most Detention Service Officer jobs?

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Detention Service Officer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,155 per year, or $24.1 per hour.

DETENTION SERVICE OFFICER (GENERIC)

Dallas, TX • On-site

Dallas County
Public Administration • 5 - 10K employees

$26.09/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago


Dallas County (Texas) rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 42 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description


Provides supervision and control of inmates during booking, preliminary holdover, identification, confinement, recreation, visitation, release, and all other aspects of incarceration within a secure facility of the Dallas County jail system.
Responsibilities
1. Performs initial physical search, confiscation and inventory of all personal and unauthorized items, recording of personal and medical information, finger-printing, taking of arrest photos and assuring inmates safety and security prior to processing into a housing unit or release on bond.
2. Handcuffs and removes specified inmates from holdover cells and escorts inmates to and from arraignments.
3. Classifies and compares fingerprints against computerized and hard copies of similar prints to establish the positive identification of each inmate.
4. Supervises the removal, bagging and storage of inmates' street clothes, issuance of jail clothing and bedding and the retrieval of street clothes and dressing of inmates for transfer to court or release from jail.
5. Supervises the authorized release and exchange of money and property to third parties outside the jail.
6. Monitors and controls inmates' behavior in holdover cells and housing unit cells and periodically conducts physical head counts.
7. Controls the operation of internal and external doors and elevators to maximize safety, security and inmate control
8. Supervises the serving of meals, laundering and exchange of clothing and bedding, as well as cleaning and sanitation within a secure facility.
9. Provides kitchen security during food preparation, transportation and cleanup.
10. Escorts inmates to and from the law library, recreation facilities, religious services, visitation and other functions, and assures that all individuals seeking to see inmates have signed in and are authorized visitors.
11. Searches inmates' incoming mail to identify, remove and document any contraband prior to delivering the mail.
12. Operates fire, riot and other equipment required to rapidly respond to jail emergencies and conducts unannounced detailed searches of inmates' cells and other jail facilities to locate and seize contraband.
13. Performs other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Education, Experience and Training:
Graduation from an accredited High School/GED program, or have twelve (12) hours from an accredited college or university with a grade "C" or better, and meet all other requirements listed on the current "Statement of Qualifications" sheet which must be signed by each job applicant.
Special Requirements/Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
Ability to effectively communicate, both verbally and in writing, and establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, departments and the general public. Must be at least 18 years of age. To start as a Detention Service Officer recruit, this position requires successful completion of a polygraph exam, psychological exam, and extensive background investigation. In order to become a full fledged Detention Service Officer, this position requires one year of experience as a jailer and the successful completion of a field training course and a course that includes instruction provided by the Dallas County on federal and state statutes that relate to employment management issues affecting jailers. Mandatory drug testing prior to employment, and will be subject to random, unannounced drug and/or alcohol testing during employment. Must be able to obtain and maintain all State and Sheriff's Department Commissioning requirements.
Physical Requirements/Environmental Requirements:
Must be able to perform defense tactics against individuals. Requires one or more of the following: prolonged sitting, standing, walking, running, ascending and descending of stairs, both inside and outside. Must be able to work varied days and shift schedules, to include weekends and holidays. Potential exposure to communicable diseases.

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