Detention Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $84,482.04 - $113,210.04 Annually
Location : 7301 Hanna St. Gilroy, CA 95020, CA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: FY 26/27 -00006
Department: Police Dept
Division: Operations
Opening Date: 07/24/2026
ABOUT THE POSITION
The City of Gilroy is recruiting to fill the position of Detention Services Officer in the Gilroy Police Department (GPD).
$7,040.17 - $9,434.17 Monthly Base Salary* Plus Excellent Benefits
Holiday Pay (7.01% of base), Spanish/English bilingual pay (5% of base), and education incentive pay (up to 5% of base) are available in addition to the base salary noted above.
Work Schedules include 4-10 (Monday - Thursday) and 3-12.5 (Friday - Sunday) - must be able to work varied hours of the day/night, weekends, and holidays.
*Additional steps (Step F and Step G) included in the salary range listed above are available to employees in this job classification after completion of five years of service (Step F) and ten years of service (Step G), one year at the prior step, and good performance evaluation. Initial salary placement is typically at the entry point of the range unless the candidate has prior Detention Services Officer experience which may warrant initial placement at a higher step.
The Detention Services Officer (DSO) is an entry-level civilian law enforcement position. In this exciting opportunity, the DSO will work under the general direction of the Patrol Watch Commander operating the department's detention facility, booking and transporting prisoners, and provide general assistance to the Operations and Support Services Division. Other law enforcement services and duties are required such as maintaining jail security, conducting searches, and responding to non-hazardous calls for service.
The work of DSO's may be dangerous. Employees take suspects into custody at the City jail and may hold them for up to 24 hours. Once in custody, prisoners may be transported to the County jail in a Police vehicle or van. While performing routines, employees may start in a seated and docile position and then respond in a highly energized position. This job may be very fast paced and may require quick changes within a short period of time.
ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT
The Gilroy Police Department (GPD) is located 28 miles south of San Jose, in Santa Clara County, and serves a diverse population base of approximately 60,000 residents. GPD provides 24 hour patrol services responding to public safety calls for service and implementing crime suppression, conducting investigations, traffic enforcement and accident investigation and solving civil conflicts, arresting suspects and engaging in directed patrol missions to prevent or reduce crime in order to protect life and property for the citizens of Gilroy.
The Gilroy Police Department is a progressive and forward-thinking organization that fosters career growth and seeks to utilize our employees to their fullest potential. Our core values of respect, integrity, compassion, teamwork, innovation, and accountability are a foundation to enhancing police services, community relations, quality partnerships, and meeting the needs of our community whom we are dedicated to serve.
THE IDEAL CANDIDATE WILL
• Possess general knowledge of the Criminal Justice and Department of Justice standards of confidentiality.
• Have experience booking arrestees and administering fingerprints, taking prisoner photos, completing medical forms, and transporting detainees.
• Exercise good judgment, courage, alertness, and an even temperament to achieve desired results when dealing with prisoners.
• Maintain poise and self-control during contentious situations that require mental resilience and the ability to act quickly.
• Have experience with firearms.
• Have effective oral and written communication skills along with a strong ability to actively listen.
• Be technologically savvy and able to work with various electronic devices, office equipment, and software programs.
• Hold cleanliness in high regard to ensure safety conditions of the detention facility are up to standards.
• Maintain an organized work area that is adequately stocked with necessary supplies.
• Take a significant degree of initiative, use independent judgement, and discretion.
• Be able to work various shifts and days including holidays.
1. Complete booking on arrestees, including but not limited to fingerprinting, photographs, booking and medical forms.
2. Maintain jail security, which may include conducting searches.
3. Maintain, control, and care for prisoners in Police custody. Provide periodic checks and monitor prisoner activity.
4. Comply with State laws and department regulations regarding prisoner segregation, safety, rights and overall work.
5. Make timely notification to the watch commander of detention facility conditions and incidents involving prisoners.
6. Responsible for the cleanliness and safety conditions of the detention facility.
7. Ensure detention facility is adequately stocked with supplies.
8. May be required to assist in property and evidence collection and processing.
9. Properly operate, care for and maintain department equipment.
10. Pick up and transport prisoners. Monitor and escort prisoner movements.
11. May assist in apprehension of prisoners using sound principles of law enforcement techniques.
12. May be required to prepare police reports and accurately complete a variety of forms.
13. May be required to provide written statements or keep logs on incidents, which occur in the holding facility or involving prisoners. May be required to tape record and transcribe dictated reports.
14. Serve subpoenas.
15. Make recommendations for updates in department policies and procedures.
16. Testify in court.
17. Fingerprint and/or photograph citizens or City employees, as required.
18. Lift and carry equipment, supplies and packages.
19. Assist in maintenance of files and indexes.
20. Maintain equipment inventory and distribute equipment and supplies. Ensure repair and/or replacement of damaged equipment.
21. Assist in vehicle maintenance program.
22. May be required to do computer data entry.
23. May be subject to recall.
24. May work an assigned shift with varied days and/or hours; may be required to work holidays.
25. Participate in training programs.
QUALIFICATIONS
• Possess a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Possess a minimum of two (2) years of full-time work experience, preferably in public service.
• Required to attend a 176-hour Corrections Academy course within one year from the date of hire.
• Be at least 21 years of age.
• Pass a physical agility test.
• Be able to meet the current physical ability/ medical standards for a Detention Services Officer and be free from physical condition which adversely affect the performance of the essential duties of a Detention Services Officer.
• Pass a Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) background investigation, which includes a polygraph examination, and extensive Department of Justice criminal record check, an FBI check and firearms clearance.
• Pass a post-offer psychological evaluation and a medical examination, which includes a drug test.
• Possess and maintain a valid California Driver License and safe driving record necessary to operate assigned vehicles.
• Required to be proficient in typical police weaponry and meet department firearms qualification requirements
• Pass all required department training.
• Possess and maintain C.P.R. and First Aid Training certificates within six (6) months of hire.
• Establish and maintain residency within 45 minutes normal driving time from the Gilroy Police Station within 18 months from date of hire.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) desired but not required.
• Prefer non-tobacco user.
P.O.S.T. PHYSICAL AGILITY WORK SAMPLE TEST BATTERY INFORMATION
Please read the following instructions very carefully because they do contain important information in regard to the testing process and registration.
P.O.S.T. Physical Agility Work Sample Test Battery
The City of Gilroy Police Department works with The Academy to administer the P.O.S.T. Physical Agility Work Sample Test Battery requirement.
To register to take the test to obtain a P.O.S.T. Physical Agility Work Sample Test Battery Certificate please visit the following site: Click on the Physical Agility Exam tab and you will see the various dates and times the agility test is offered at different locations in the region.
In addition, the website noted above contains information regarding practice sessions offered to candidates.
The cost to candidates for this exam will be $125.00 plus a test fee of $4.04 due at the time of registration. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact The Academy at (408) 270-6458. Please submit a copy of your P.O.S.T. Physical Agility Work Sample Test Battery certificate showing the minimum score of 384 points and passing score on the 1.5 mile run (14 minutes or less) with your online application. Your results must be dated within one year of your application.
P.O.S.T. Physical Agility Work Sample Test Battery certificates with a minimum score of 384 points and a passing score on the 1.5 mile run (14 minutes or less) will be accepted from California P.O.S.T. locations other than The Academy provided they are dated within one year of the employment application.
When attending the exam please plan your time and arrive at least 15 minutes early and plan for traffic and other unknown events. Testing dates are subject to change by the testing location.
Important: You must upload and attach your WSTB Test Results to your application packet.
*The City will reimburse WSTB testing fees for any candidate hired for this position. (Please retain your receipts to submit when hired.)
APPLICATION PROCESS
If you are interested in pursuing this exciting career opportunity please attach and submit the following required items with your NEOGOV application:

• A complete application with responses to Supplemental Questions
• Written passing result/score for the P.O.S.T. physical agility work sample test battery {score of 384 or higher plus a passing score on the 1.5 mile run (14 minutes or less)} dated within one year of the employment application is required
• Cover letter that explains your specific interest in this position with the City of Gilroy Police Department is preferred
• Detailed resume focusing on related work experience and education is preferred

City Application Form - Candidates must complete the NEOGOV City of Gilroy application form for this position and submit online. Please prepare attachments prior to completion of the NEOGOV application as incomplete applications will not be accepted.
Apply Online: Go to . You can apply online by clicking on the job title you are interested in and clicking on the "Apply" link. After viewing the Job Description, click the 'Apply' tab. If this is the first time you are applying using our online job application, you will need to create an account and select a Username and Password. After your account has been established, you can import your resume from LinkedIn, upload it from a saved document on your computer, or manually enter your personal information. This application will be saved and used to apply for future job openings.
Recruitment Schedule - Key Dates*

• This recruitment is open until filled; please apply ASAP.
• Interviews are scheduled periodically based on the needs of the City of Gilroy.

Attention: Communication regarding your status in this recruitment process will be conducted via e-mail. Be sure to include an e-mail address on the employment application. Applicants are responsible for notifying Human Resources of any changes to an e-mail address and/or other contact information.
THE CITY OF GILROY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER AND SUPPORTS WORKFORCE DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION.
COMPENSATION, BENEFITS, AND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Persons appointed to this position on a full-time basis will receive the following benefits:
Police Officers Association (GPOA) and Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
The current MOU ends on June 30, 2025.
Retention Steps:

• Effective 1/1/24, a new Step F (2.5%) is added to the salary schedule. Requirements for Step F = one year at Step E, good performance evaluation, completion of 5 years of service in the bargaining unit.
• Effective 1/1/25, a new Step G (2.5%) is added to the salary schedule. Requirements for Step G = one year at Step F, good performance evaluation, completion of 5 years of service in the bargaining unit.

Health Allowance and Flexible Benefits Plan
Depending upon the number of dependents the health allowance ranges from $1,063.74 to $2,673.97 per month for core health benefits. Subject to specific rules, a cash back program is also available with proof of other medical coverage. City employees participate in the PERS Health Program, and may choose their medical coverage from a variety of providers. The City's flexible benefits plan includes medical and dental coverage as core benefits. A range of optional benefits including vision care and medical and dependent care accounts are also available.
Other Benefits/Compensation

• Employees participate in Medicare (1.45% for both the employer and employee) as this is a mandated federal program. The city does not participate in social security.
• Bilingual candidates fluent in Spanish may qualify to receive 5% bilingual pay following a certification process.
• Sworn Peace Officeers with a Bachelor's degree or an Advanced P.O.S.T Certificate qualify for up to 7.5% Education Incentive Pay. Sworn Peace Officers with an Intermediate P.O.S.T. Certificate or an AA/AS deg