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Detention Service Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Catawba County Government

$48K/yr

... in-service training to stay abreast of law changes and maintain skills Appear in court, as needed, to give testimony Detention Officers work 12.25-hour shifts and get a three-day weekend off every ...

Cass County Government

Detention Officer

Fargo, ND · On-site

$55K/yr

Strong job security in public service YOUR NEW ROLE AS A DETENTION OFFICER Detention Officers work 12-hour shifts for 12 to 14 days per month . The schedule provides every other weekend as a three ...

New Hanover County

Detention Officer

Wilmington, NC · On-site

$23.07/hr

Detention Officers are responsible for performing duties relative to the safety, security, and ... Paid community services leave to give back to our community; Education leave to obtain a degree ...

Lewis and Clark County Montana

DETENTION OFFICER

Helena, MT · On-site

$26.24 - $26.92/hr

Detention Officers are responsible for ensuring safe and smooth operations of the jail. This ... Additionally, this agency provides specialized regional services to the entire county and contract ...

City of Carrollton, TX

Sr Detention Officer

Carrollton, TX · On-site

$38K - $53K/yr

Senior Detention Officer DEPARTMENT/DIVISION: Police REPORTS TO: Detention Supervisor (while ... Knowledge of customer service principles. * Knowledge of recordkeeping principles and practices;

Lewis and Clark County

DETENTION OFFICER

Helena, MT · On-site

$37K - $52K/yr

Detention Officers are responsible for ensuring safe and smooth operations of the jail. This ... Additionally, this agency provides specialized regional services to the entire county and contract ...

coctx

Sr Detention Officer

Carrollton, TX · On-site

$38K - $53K/yr

Senior Detention Officer DEPARTMENT/DIVISION: Police REPORTS TO: Detention Supervisor (while ... Knowledge of customer service principles. * Knowledge of recordkeeping principles and practices;

SPECTRUM SECURITY SERVICES INC

CA

$41/hr

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 ...

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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:

Detention Service Officer jobs near you
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 Officer

On-site

Catawba County Government
Public Administration • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about Catawba County Governmentexternal

$48K/yr

Full-time

PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

New as of 01/01/2026: Your well-being matters from the start - benefited new hires are eligible for up to 40 hours of advanced annual leave and 40 hours of advanced sick leave. Position Description The Catawba County Sheriff's Office is recruiting highly motivated individuals with excellent communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving abilities to fill full-time Detention Officer roles. In these positions, you will provide safety and security for inmates confined in the Catawba County Detention Facility and process inmates in and out of the Detention Facility.

Experience preferred but not necessary. Additional Salary Information: 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 and specific law enforcement certificates will receive extra pay A salary increase is given annually upon a successful performance review (dependent upon budget availability) Bilingual extra duty pay is provided upon successful completion of testing (dependent upon budget availability) Responsibilities Provide for the care and security of inmates confined to Detention facilities by conducting regular cell checks, keeping an active check of cell and common areas, and responding immediately to problems between inmates Prepare and maintain accurate reports and records Attend departmental in-service training to stay abreast of law changes and maintain skills Appear in court, as needed, to give testimony Detention Officers work 12.25-hour shifts and get a three-day weekend off every other weekend (Fri-Sun), working 14 days out of a 28-day pay period. Qualifications High school diploma or GED equivalent Additional Requirements Must be a U.S citizen Minimum of 20 years of age, no maximum age limit Valid NC driver's license No felony convictions (Misdemeanors are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.) Ability to pass a drug screening and medical examination If applicable, Honorary Discharge from the Military Must be able to stand/walk 80% of the time daily, lift/carry up to 60 pounds regularly, operate equipment (radios, chemical sprays, handcuffs, leg irons, etc.) daily, and withstand loud noises and stressful situations.

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