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Detention Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

City of Hoover

Detention Officer

Hoover, AL

$37K - $51K/yr

One (1) year of experience in a corrections or detention environment where knowledge of jail responsibilities and procedures was acquired * Associate's Degree (or equivalent credit hours) in Criminal ...

City of Hoover

Detention Officer

Hoover, AL · On-site

$22.82 - $35.38/hr

One (1) year of experience in a corrections or detention environment where knowledge of jail responsibilities and procedures was acquired * Associate's Degree (or equivalent credit hours) in Criminal ...

City of Hoover

Detention Officer

Hoover, AL · On-site

$22.82 - $35.38/hr

One (1) year of experience in a corrections or detention environment where knowledge of jail responsibilities and procedures was acquired * Associate's Degree (or equivalent credit hours) in Criminal ...

Madison County, AL

Detention Officer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$52K/yr

Detention Officer I - 0 to 4 years of experience * Detention Officer II - 4 to 8 years of experience * Detention Officer III - 8+ years of experience Essential Duties and Responsibilities (All duties ...

Cornerstone Detention Products

AutoCad Drafter

Montgomery, AL · On-site

$18.25 - $23.25/hr

We are seeking a skilled AutoCAD Drafter to join our dynamic team focused on security electronics for detention centers. The ideal candidate will have experience in drafting and designing security ...

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All JobsDetention JobsDetention Jobs in Alabama

Detention information

See Alabama salary details

$23.1K

$45.5K

$72.1K

How much do detention jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for detention in Alabama is $45,460.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $36,300.00 and $49,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a detention officer?

Detention officers are professionals responsible for overseeing individuals who have been arrested and are awaiting trial or serving a short sentence in a detention facility or jail. Their duties include maintaining order and security, supervising inmates, conducting inspections, and ensuring that inmates' rights and needs are met according to the law. Detention officers also assist with booking procedures, transportation of inmates, and responding to emergencies within the facility. They play a crucial role in upholding safety and order within correctional environments.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a detention officer?

To thrive as a Detention Officer, you need a high school diploma or equivalent, knowledge of correctional procedures, and often completion of specialized training or certification. Familiarity with security systems, surveillance equipment, and incident reporting software is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, stress management, and sound judgment are crucial for maintaining safety and order. These skills and qualities are important to ensure the safety of staff and inmates, enforce regulations, and respond effectively to emergencies in a correctional facility.

What challenges do detention officers face and how can they be managed?

Detention officers often encounter challenges such as managing inmate behavior, maintaining safety and security, and handling high-stress situations. Effective communication, strong observational skills, and adherence to established protocols are essential for addressing these challenges. Regular training, teamwork, and support from supervisors also help officers respond appropriately and maintain a safe environment for both staff and inmates.

What is the difference between Detention vs Correction Officer?

AspectDetentionCorrection Officer
CertificationsBasic security or detention certificationsSecurity, detention, or correctional certifications
Work EnvironmentJails, detention centers, holding facilitiesPrisons, correctional facilities, detention centers
Employer & IndustryLaw enforcement agencies, detention centersPrison systems, correctional institutions
Job FocusSupervising detainees, maintaining securitySupervising inmates, enforcing rules, security

Detention officers primarily supervise detainees in holding facilities, focusing on security and safety. Correction officers work in prisons or correctional facilities, overseeing inmates and enforcing rules. While both roles involve security and supervision, detention officers typically handle short-term detainees, whereas correction officers manage long-term inmates in correctional settings.

Do you need a degree to be a detention officer?

A degree is not typically required to become a detention officer, but applicants usually need a high school diploma or equivalent. Additional training, background checks, and certifications in areas like first aid or CPR are often necessary for employment in detention facilities.

Is becoming a detention officer hard?

Becoming a detention officer involves completing required training, passing background checks, and often obtaining certifications such as CPR or first aid. The job can be physically and emotionally demanding, requiring strong communication skills and the ability to handle stressful situations. Overall, it requires dedication and adherence to strict protocols but is achievable with proper preparation.

What are the most commonly searched types of Detention jobs in Alabama?

The most popular types of Detention jobs in Alabama are:

Detention jobs near you
Infographic showing various Detention job openings in Alabama as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 90% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $45,460 per year, or $21.9 per hour.

Detention Officer

City of Hoover

Hoover, AL

$37K - $51K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago

Job description

OverviewHiring Range:  $22.82-$25.13Starting salary may be adjusted depending on experience.Qualifications
  • High School Diploma or GED
  • Ability to perform word processing, data entry, and format reports on a computer using specialized database and Microsoft Office applications
  • Must be able to work shift work to include nights, weekends and holiday hours
  • Possession of a valid driver's license and ability to obtain/maintain a City of Hoover Driver's Permit
  • Ability to pass an extensive background check

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • One (1) year of experience in a corrections or detention environment where knowledge of jail responsibilities and procedures was acquired
  • Associate's Degree (or equivalent credit hours) in Criminal Justice, Social Sciences, Public Administration, Psychology or a closely related field
Responsibilities

Processes prisoners in and out of the city jail in accordance to prescribed procedures and laws, including booking prisoners, fingerprinting, photographing, and searching inmates, and assigning cells and property drawers; Conducts medical screening for diseases, infections, and other potential medical problems; Prepares felon inmates for release to other agencies; Prepares all release papers and computer information upon release of prisoners; Provides direct supervision of prisoners in the City jail, including overseeing inmates' daily activities and ensuring the security of inmates, trustees, and all other jail personnel; Provides for the daily needs of the prisoners, including administering medication prescribed by a doctor, supervising the preparation of meals, showers, and changing of linens, and ensures clean living conditions for all prisoners; Oversees inmate phone use, day room use, visitation, and other activities that occur outside cells; Supervises the work of inmates, including assigning work details to inmates as necessary; Monitors the behavior and activities of inmates to ensure that all rules and regulations are being followed and takes appropriate disciplinary actions upon the infraction of any rule, including complete documentation of any infraction; Performs thorough cell inspections to search for contraband items such as narcotics, cigarettes, alcohol, weapons, or other materials determined to be of detriment to the authority structure within the jail facility; Ensures that detention facilities are kept in a clean, orderly fashion, including monitoring inmates' activities in cleaning their area of responsibility; Monitors the condition of mentally or emotionally disturbed or intoxicated inmates to ensure their safety and welfare; Conducts periodic checks of inmates during all shifts; Escorts inmates to and from visiting areas and to courtrooms as necessary; Completes daily jail activity reports and arrest reports; Provides assistance to the warrants division as requested, including accurately checking and confirming warrants for dispatch, outside agencies, bonding companies, and private persons; Performs other directly related duties consistent with the role and function of the classification.

Supplemental InformationEMPLOYMENT PROCESS:

Detention Officer candidates who meet the minimum requirements will be further screened through our evaluation process, which considers related work experience, education, certifications and special training.  Detention Officer candidate finalists will then be evaluated based on personal interviews.  Due to the high volume of applications received, not all applicants will be selected for interviews. 

Eligible Detention Officer candidates may be hired as part-time employees and will be considered for full-time Detention Officer positions as such openings occur.Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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