Detention Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $57,499.94 - $89,302.30 Annually
Location : Department of the Jail, FL
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 202500250
Department: Department of the Jail
Division: Security Operations Division
Opening Date: 04/21/2026
Closing Date: 12/31/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Description
No current CJSTC/FDLE Correctional Officer Certification? Apply here instead:
Highly responsible security work maintaining physical custody and control of inmates within the Alachua County Sheriff's Office (ACSO) Department of the Jail (DOJ). They are responsible for receiving and processing inmates, enforcing disciplinary procedures for the control of inmate behavior, including the application of restraint and use of force techniques, and the preparation of reports and documents necessary for operational procedures.
Work is performed under the direction of the Detention Sergeant or higher ranked supervisor. Performance is evaluated through conferences, observation, results obtained, and appropriate employee performance appraisals.
Examples of Duties

• Make periodic tours of the jail to inspect for security, including head counts
• Release inmates from cell areas to outside recreation areas or other program areas; operates security doors and equipment
• Receive prisoners from law enforcement officers and adhere to clearly established procedures for inmate processing including: searching, fingerprinting and photographing
• Release inmates from jail on proper authorization and return articles of clothing and other personal property to the inmate
• Receive and review cash and security bail bonds for accuracy and authenticity
• Prepare disposition reports of prisoners confined in the facility
• Answer routine inmate questions
• Supervise the distribution of meals, medication, and mail in inmate housing areas
• Transport inmates to and from court appearances as required
• Make observations of inmate attitude, behavior, and physical conditions and report problems to the shift commander or treatment staff as required
• Restrain inmates for the protection of themselves or others through the use of defensive tactics, OC spray, or Taser equipment
• Perform related duties as required

*This job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of duties and responsibilities of the position. The omission of specific job functions or tasks does not absolve an employee from being required to perform additional tasks incidental to or inherent in the position.
Typical Qualifications
Educational Requirements:High School/GEDRequiredAssociate's DegreePreferredBachelor's DegreePreferredPreferred Major(s): Criminal Justice, Public Administration, or other related field
EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:

• Meet or exceed all applicable standards required by Florida Law for Correctional Officers
• Successfully complete the ACSO Field Training Officer program requirements
• Must meet or exceed all applicable physical agility standards required by ACSO
• Meet requirements for use of defensive tactics and use of issued or available equipment, including OC spray and Taser

CERTIFICATION AND LICENSING:

• CJSTC/FDLE Correctional Officer Certification
• Current, valid Florida driver license

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Sit, stand, and/or walk for moderate periods
• Have good close, distant, color, peripheral, depth, and adjusted vision
• Hear at normal range
• Speak, read, write, and understand English fluently
• Lift/carry 150 pounds
• Push/pull moderate to heavy loads
• Climb, balance, and reach with arms
• Bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, and crawl
• Taste and smell
• Manual dexterity
• Drive a vehicle
• Pass ACSO's Standard Physical Agility Test as required
• Pass Defensive Tactics course in-service training as required
• Pass all other courses and training required by ACSO/CJSTC for Detention Officer

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of the rules, regulations and procedures of the department relating to the confinement and release of prisoners
• Knowledge of security practices and emergency services
• Knowledge of the safe and proper use of firearms, OC Spray, and Taser equipment
• Knowledge and understanding of the attitudes and behavior patterns of persons under restraint
• Ability to keep records and prepare reports
• Ability to enforce regulations with firmness, tact and impartiality
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, inmates, outside law enforcement officers and the public.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing

We offer a complete benefits package to full-time employees and part-time employees who work 20 hours or more a week. These benefits include health care, dental, vision, retirement, flexible spending account, and life insurance. Holidays, vacation, and sick leave hours are provided to all full-time employees.
A detailed breakdown of our benefits can be found We also offer cutting edge and comprehensive training available for law enforcement.
The Alachua County Sheriff's Office is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Alachua County Sheriff's Office gives preference in employment/appointment to eligible veterans and spouses of disabled veterans. Applicants with disabilities will be reasonably accommodated in the application process. Minorities and protected classes are encouraged to apply.
01
The information provided in your application must support your selected answers in the supplemental questions. The information you provide will be verified and documentation may be required. Please be as honest and accurate as possible. You may be asked to demonstrate your knowledge and skills in a work sample or during an interview. By completing this supplemental questionnaire you are attesting that the information you have provided is accurate. Any misstatements, omissions, or falsification of information may eliminate you from consideration or result in dismissal.

• Yes, I understand and agree
• No, I do not agree

02
Do you currently have an FDLE/CJSTC Florida Corrections Certification or are currently enrolled in a FL Corrections Academy?

• Yes
• No

03
Do you have a current, valid Florida driver license?

• Yes
• No

04
This position requires that you be 18 years old. Are you 18 years old or older?

• Yes
• No

05
This position requires you to have earned a High School Diploma or GED. Do you meet this requirement?

• Yes
• No

06
This position requires that you are a United States Citizen. Are you a United States Citizen?

• Yes, I am a United States Citizen
• No, I am NOT a United States Citizen

07
Have you ever been convicted of a felony, convicted of a misdemeanor involving perjury or false statement, or dishonorably discharged from the U.S. Military?

• Yes
• No

08
Do you have an active/open case for driving under the influence (DUI) or fleeing/eluding an officer?

• Yes
• No

09
In the past five (5) years, have you received any Conviction or Adjudication Withheld regarding DUI and/or Fleeing/Eluding an Officer?

• Yes
• No

10
Have you tried, used, or experimented with Marijuana within the last 12 months?

• Yes
• No

11
Do you have a current, valid medical marijuana card?

• Yes
• No

12
Have you tried, used, or experimented with any illegal drug/controlled substance, other than marijuana, within the last five years?

• Yes
• No

13
Have you sold, delivered, or trafficked illegal drugs for profiting purposes within the last five (5) years?

• Yes
• No

14
Do you have visible facial piercings or unnaturally colored/graphically designed contact lenses you regularly wear?

• Yes
• No

15
Do you wear gauged earrings or have enlarged/stretched out holes in your ear larger than 1/4 inch in diameter?

• Yes
• No

16
Do you have any tattoos that would be visible outside of a uniform (head, face, neck, arms, hands)?

• Yes, and I will submit pictures of them BEFORE finalizing my application by uploading them to my profile.
• Yes, but they are not visible outside of a uniform
• I do not have any tattoos

17
Do you have a split/forked tongue, foreign objects inserted under the skin to create a design or pattern, or intentional scarring on your face or head?

• Yes
• No

18
Do you understand that you may be called in for emergencies or to accommodate staffing requirements.

• Yes
• No

19
Are you able to work a flexible work schedule that includes nights, weekends, holidays, and includes varying shifts?

• Yes
• No

Required Question