1

Detention Technician Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Detentions Technician I

Hanford, CA · On-site

$41K - $50K/yr

DETENTIONS TECHNICIAN I LEVEL I: $41,766.40 - $50,960.00 ANNUALLY Join the Kings County Sheriff ... our detention facility running safely and efficiently. You'll help monitor security systems ...

Detention Officer 33

Lansing, MI · On-site

$53K - $79K/yr

The Detention Officer is a civilian employee of the Police Department who processes arrestees ... residential technician which provides experience safeguarding objects, materials, or people; OR

... Technician/Crime Scene Investigation) FTO (Field Training Officer) Drone Pilot Honor Guard Bomb ... A Detention Deputy relies heavily upon interpersonal communication skills, physical techniques and ...

Secure Detention

Grove City, PA · On-site

$23.50/hr

The Behavioral Health Technician in the Secure Detention Program is the primary childcare personnel. This position is designed to provide the daily services of safety, security and structure to the ...

Provide direction and oversight to multidisciplinary teams , behavioral health technicians, and ... Experience in a detention, correctional, residential, or secure healthcare setting Benefits * 3 ...

Provide direction and oversight to multidisciplinary teams , behavioral health technicians, and ... Experience in a detention, correctional, residential, or secure healthcare setting Benefits * 3 ...

Provide direction and oversight to multidisciplinary teams , behavioral health technicians, and ... Experience in a detention, correctional, residential, or secure healthcare setting Benefits * 3 ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Detention Technician information

See salary details

$26K

$54.6K

$93K

How much do detention technician jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for detention technician in the United States is $54,605.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,500.00 and $60,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do detention technicians make?

In Broward County, detention technicians typically earn an average annual salary of around $35,000 to $45,000, depending on experience and certifications. The role involves security, inmate supervision, and report writing, often requiring training in safety protocols and communication skills.

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

To excel as a Detention Technician, you need knowledge of detention facility procedures, recordkeeping, and security protocols, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with jail management systems, radio communication devices, and criminal justice software is typically required. Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are vital soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure the safety, accuracy, and efficiency necessary for maintaining secure and well-run detention operations.

What degree do you need to work as a detention technician?

A detention technician typically needs a high school diploma or equivalent; some positions may require post-secondary education or specialized training. Relevant skills include knowledge of security procedures and the ability to handle stressful situations, but formal college degrees are generally not mandatory.

What is the difference between Detention Technician vs Correctional Officer?

AspectDetention TechnicianCorrectional Officer
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or GED, basic trainingHigh school diploma or GED, correctional training
Work EnvironmentJails, detention centers, security facilitiesPrisons, detention centers, security environments
Employer & Industry UsageLaw enforcement agencies, detention facilitiesPrison systems, law enforcement agencies
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Detention Technicians and Correctional Officers both work in detention environments, but Correctional Officers typically have more responsibilities, including security and inmate supervision. Detention Technicians focus on facility maintenance, inmate processing, and administrative tasks. While their credentials and work settings overlap, Correctional Officers usually require additional training and authority for security roles.

What is a detention technician?

Detention Technicians are professionals who work in correctional facilities, supporting the custody and care of inmates. Their duties typically include processing inmate bookings and releases, monitoring security systems, maintaining records, and assisting sworn officers with various administrative tasks. While they do not usually have arrest powers, Detention Technicians play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth operation and safety of detention centers. They must possess strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work effectively under pressure.

What are some common challenges faced by detention technicians, and how can they effectively manage them?

Detention Technicians often face challenges such as handling high-stress situations, maintaining detailed records, and interacting with individuals in custody who may be uncooperative. To manage these challenges, it's important to stay calm under pressure, adhere strictly to protocols, and develop strong communication skills. Support from colleagues and regular training on safety procedures also play a key role in ensuring Detention Technicians can perform their duties efficiently and safely.
What cities are hiring for Detention Technician jobs? Cities with the most Detention Technician job openings:
What states have the most Detention Technician jobs? States with the most job openings for Detention Technician jobs include:
Infographic showing various Detention Technician job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,605 per year, or $26.3 per hour.

Detentions Technician I

Kings County

Hanford, CA • On-site

$41K - $50K/yr

Other

Posted 16 days ago


Kings County (California) rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

344th of 842 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

JOB OPPORTUNITY The Kings County Sheriff's Office is currently seeking qualified individuals for the position of: DETENTIONS TECHNICIAN I LEVEL I: $41,766.40 - $50,960.00 ANNUALLY Join the Kings County Sheriff's Office as a Detentions Technician I and play a key role in keeping our detention facility running safely and efficiently. You'll help monitor security systems, support booking and release processes, manage important records, and keep daily operations on track in a fast-paced, team-driven environment. Whether you're starting your career or bringing experience to the table, this position offers growth, responsibility, and the chance to make a meaningful impact

If you're motivated, sharp, and ready for a challenge, we encourage you to apply. To discover what makes Kings County a great place to live and work, click here to watch a short video. You can click here to watch a brief video showcasing the exceptional benefits available to our employees.

For more information regarding the Kings County Sheriff's Office, please click here. DUTY SAMPLE Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job. Some duties, knowledge, skills, and abilities may be performed in a learning capacity for entry-level (I Level) positions.

Assists Detentions Deputies in maintaining security of area by monitoring incarcerated person movement and activity through direct visual contact and audio and video monitoring systems; controls and operates interior and exterior electronically controlled security doors and gates; monitors and screens entry and exit of authorized personnel; monitors transport tunnel, court unit, exercise yards, and housing units. Observes incarcerated person activity and gives verbal direction to incarcerated persons regarding action or movement and advises staff of immediate or potential problems; notifies appropriate personnel in emergency situations. Monitors radio traffic; maintains surveillance of Detentions Deputies for personal safety throughout the facility including while Detentions Deputies are in housing units, sally port, and transport tunnel.

Performs a variety of duties concerning the booking and processing of incarcerated persons; initiates and completes applicable booking forms and enters booking/release information; questions arrestees to complete booking records; processes transfers and/or releases of incarcerated persons. Assists with processing incarcerated persons' personal property and clothing including documenting and securing personal belongings of arrestees. Coordinates detentions schedule with relevant court calendars for purposes of incarcerated person transportation; coordinates appropriate paperwork regarding incarcerated person court appearances and releases; maintains records of release dates for incarcerated persons.

Accesses, enters, verifies, and retrieves data and information regarding incarcerated persons using a variety office equipment including computers, computer networks, databases, and information systems. Responds to inquiries and assists the public and other agencies in person, via telephone, or written communication; receives, inspects, processes, and distributes mail. Completes and maintains a variety of clerical documents, including reports, files, correspondence, legal forms, schedules, orders, notices, and statistical data; tracks incarcerated person movement and maintains incarcerated person body count statistics.

Completes and maintains a variety of bookkeeping and/or accounting documents, including invoices, ledgers, purchase orders, and financial data; documents, collects, and maintains money and incarcerated person funds; maintains accurate accounts and records. Stocks and delivers supplies; prepares and processes newspapers, books, and other library orders. Provides training and guidance to less experienced staff as necessary.

May operate a non-emergency County vehicle for errands, pick-ups, or deliveries; may conduct initial interviews of incarcerated persons and others referred by the courts for determination of eligibility for programs inside and outside of the facility; may testify in court. Performs related duties as assigned. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS **Minimum requirements must be met by the closing date** Please note: Work experience for the last 15 years must be included in the work history portion of your application.

It is also important that your application show all the relevant education and experience that you possess, even if it extends beyond the required past 15 years. A resume may be attached, but it is not a substitute for completing the application and supplemental questions. Failure to submit a completed application may eliminate you from the recruitment.

When completing the work history portion of your application please include each level position title and level as a separate entry when applicable (e.g., If you were a Level I and promoted to Level II, each level should be entered separately to reflect the time held at each level). Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be: EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE Education: Equivalent to completion of the twelfth (12th) grade

Experience: Detentions Technician I: None required. LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS Licenses: Possession of a valid California driver's license issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles at the time of appointment. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS Qualify for security clearance through a background investigation and fingerprint.

Ability to qualify for deputization by the Kings County Sheriff's Office. Ability to work irregular hours including evenings, weekends and holidays, and work overtime as necessary. Ability to work in a locked detention facility which enforces a "lock down, no hostages" policy.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS Mobility to work in an office and detentions facilities setting and use office and business equipment, including typing, touchscreen monitors, and sitting at a computer for extended periods; operate a motor vehicle to transport supplies; to climb stairs to access control stations and other work locations; to perform light to moderate lifting and/or carrying of incarcerated person property and office supplies; push carts containing supplies; and to manipulate other equipment. Hearing and speech to communicate in person, over the phone, and by radio and intercom. Vision to read things up close and far away, to oversee the detentions facilities, and to read handwritten, printed material and computer screen; ability to distinguish colors to identify incarcerated person clothing and to view color computer monitors.

Repetitive and fatiguing duties including frequent walking, upward/downward flexion of neck, wrist and arm motions, and sitting. Finger dexterity to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator; and ability to grasp and hold. For a complete description of duties and qualifications, please review the detailed job specification below: Detentions Technician I SELECTION PROCESS: **EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER** All completed applications and supplemental questionnaires will be reviewed.

The selection process may include the following: (1) Screening committee (pass/fail) and/or (2) Written examination(pass/fail) and/or (3) Oral examination (100%) This may include a written practical component (100%) to determine placement on the eligible list. Note: Those applicants who are among the top 40 written test scores will be invited to participate in the oral examination process. Department Level: (4) Background investigation (pass/fail).

Applicants must undergo and pass a thorough and detailed personal background investigation. These investigations include employment/credit histories, arrest/criminal records, drug/alcohol use and personal conduct. In addition applicants are required to undergo and pass a drug screening and a medical examination.

Qualified applicants will be notified concerning the date, time and location of each exam. VETERAN'S PREFERENCE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST Veteran's Preference Application You must submit a certified DD-214 and a new request form for each application submission prior to the closing date. TENTATIVE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (UPDATED Tentative Dates) Final Date to Apply: July 29, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.; August 3, 2026 at 5:00p.m

Written Examination: August 11, 2026, August 12, 2026, and August 13, 2026; August 27, 2026 Oral Examination: August 25, 2026 and August 26, 2026; September 16, 2026 and September 17, 2026


What Kings County (California) employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom