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Detentions Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Harris County

Detention Officer

Houston, TX · On-site

$38K - $52K/yr

Detention Officer The Harris County Sheriff's Office is hiring Detention Officers within the Criminal Justice Command. As a Detention Officer, you are an important team member of the Harris County ...

Harris County

Detention Officer

Houston, TX · On-site

$38K - $52K/yr

Detention Officer The Harris County Sheriff's Office is hiring Detention Officers within the Criminal Justice Command. As a Detention Officer, you are an important team member of the Harris County ...

City of Chandler

Detention Officer

Chandler, AZ

$28.83 - $38.92/hr

The City of Chandler Police Department, Detention Unit, is currently seeking qualified individuals interested in joining our team as a Detention Officer. The Chandler Police Detention Unit is open 24 ...

Robeson County

Detention Officer

Lumberton, NC · On-site

$49K/yr

Detention Officers typically work only 14 days a month on 12 hour shifts. Multiple overtime opportunities are also available daily within the detention center. If you meet the following ...

City of Chandler, AZ

Detention Officer

Chandler, AZ · On-site

$28.83 - $38.92/hr

The City of Chandler Police Department, Detention Unit, is currently seeking qualified individuals interested in joining our team as a Detention Officer . The Chandler Police Detention Unit is open ...

Jackson Mississippi

DETENTION OFFICER

Jackson, MS · On-site

$17.28/hr

DETENTION OFFICER Detention Officer Job Brief: Description: Duties: Process arrested and released persons at jail or Detention Center, complete appropriate forms and related paperwork; issue clothing ...

The GEO Group

DETENTION OFFICER

Folkston, GA

$22.64/hr

The Detention Officer oversees and monitors the activities of the detainees in living areas, recreation activities areas, dining areas and visitation areas. * Coordinates and monitors detainee ...

Jackson Mississippi

DETENTION OFFICER

Jackson, MS · On-site

$17.28/hr

DETENTION OFFICER Detention Officer Job Brief: Description: Duties: Process arrested and released persons at jail or Detention Center, complete appropriate forms and related paperwork; issue clothing ...

Harris County, TX

Detention Officer

Houston, TX · On-site

$38K - $52K/yr

Armed Detention Officer - responsible for transporting and securing inmates to and at hospitals or clinics. * Detention Sergeant - responsible for supervising detention officers assigned to their ...

Harris County

Detention Officer

Houston, TX

$46K/yr

Position Description The Harris County Sheriff's Office is hiring Detention Officers within the Criminal Justice Command As a Detention Officer, you are an important team member of the Harris County ...

The GEO Group

DETENTION OFFICER

Folkston, GA · On-site

$22.64/hr

The Detention Officer oversees and monitors the activities of the detainees in living areas, recreation activities areas, dining areas and visitation areas. * Coordinates and monitors detainee ...

New Hanover County, NC

Detention Officer

Wilmington, NC · On-site

$23.07/hr

DETENTION OFFICER Department: SHERIFF'S OFFICE Opening Date: 06/12/2023 Closing Date: Continuous Position Information The New Hanover County Sheriff's Office is accepting applications for full time ...

Harris County

Detention Officer

Houston, TX

$46K/yr

Position Description The Harris County Sheriff's Office is hiring Detention Officers within the Criminal Justice Command As a Detention Officer, you are an important team member of the Harris County ...

coctx

Sr Detention Officer

Carrollton, TX · On-site

$38K - $53K/yr

Senior Detention Officer DEPARTMENT/DIVISION: Police REPORTS TO: Detention Supervisor (while performing normal detention duties) Detention Center Manager (while performing Senior Detention Officer ...

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Detentions Officer information

What is a detentions officer?

Detentions Officers are law enforcement professionals responsible for overseeing individuals who have been arrested and are awaiting trial or serving sentences in a jail or detention facility. Their duties include monitoring inmate activities, ensuring safety and security, conducting searches, and enforcing facility rules. Detentions Officers also facilitate communication between inmates and legal representatives, handle booking and release processes, and respond to emergencies within the facility. They play a crucial role in maintaining order and the well-being of both staff and detainees.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a detentions officer?

To thrive as a Detentions Officer, you need knowledge of criminal justice procedures, security protocols, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent, with some agencies requiring additional training or certification. Familiarity with surveillance systems, incident reporting software, and restraint techniques is also important. Strong interpersonal skills, emotional resilience, and sound judgment help you manage inmate interactions and maintain a safe environment. These skills are crucial for ensuring facility security, preventing incidents, and fostering respectful, controlled interactions within detention centers.

What are some common challenges detentions officers face when working with inmates, and how are these typically addressed?

Detentions Officers often encounter challenges such as managing confrontational behavior, maintaining safety and order, and addressing the diverse needs of inmates. These challenges are typically addressed through comprehensive training in de-escalation techniques, effective communication, and strict adherence to facility protocols. Officers also work closely with supervisors and mental health professionals to ensure safety and provide appropriate support, fostering a team-oriented environment where collaboration is essential for daily operations.

What is the difference between Detentions Officer vs Corrections Officer?

AspectDetentions OfficerCorrections Officer
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or GED, basic law enforcement trainingHigh school diploma or GED, correctional training
Work EnvironmentJails, detention centers, law enforcement facilitiesPrisons, correctional institutions, detention centers
Employer & Industry UsageLaw enforcement agencies, detention facilitiesPrison systems, correctional departments
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared due to similar duties in detention settingsRelated but typically involves longer-term incarceration

Both Detentions Officers and Corrections Officers work in detention environments, ensuring security and order. While their roles overlap, Detentions Officers usually focus on short-term detention in jails, whereas Corrections Officers often oversee longer-term incarceration in prisons. The required credentials and work environments are similar, making them common points of comparison for job seekers in law enforcement and correctional fields.

How hard is it to become a detention officer?

Becoming a detention officer typically requires meeting minimum age and education requirements, passing background checks, and completing training programs that cover security procedures and legal protocols. Some positions may also require physical fitness assessments and certification in first aid or CPR. The difficulty varies depending on the jurisdiction and the applicant's qualifications, but generally involves a competitive hiring process and training period.

Is being a detention officer worth it?

A detention officer is responsible for supervising inmates in correctional facilities, ensuring safety and security. The job often requires physical fitness, good communication skills, and adherence to strict protocols, with shifts that may include nights and weekends. Compensation varies by location and experience, and the role can offer opportunities for advancement within the criminal justice system.

What cities are hiring for Detentions Officer jobs?

Cities with the most Detentions Officer job openings:

What states have the most Detentions Officer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Detentions Officer jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Detentions Officer jobs?

For Detentions Officer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Detentions Officer jobs near you

Detention Officer

Houston, TX • On-site

Harris County
Public Administration • 10K+ employees
Learn more about Harris Countyexternal

$38K - $52K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Harris County rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 122 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Detention Officer

The Harris County Sheriff's Office is hiring Detention Officers within the Criminal Justice Command. As a Detention Officer, you are an important team member of the Harris County Sheriff's Office responsible for maintaining care, custody, and control over those individuals housed in the Harris County Jail. The Harris County Sheriff's Office primary responsibility to the citizens of Harris County is to house those individuals awaiting trial, or commitment to the Texas Department of Corrections. Essential duties and responsibilities include performing inspections and cell searches, resolving crises such as fights, fires, and medical emergencies, and completing reports. Detention command career paths include Armed Detention Officer, Detention Sergeant, Detention Lieutenant, and Detention Captain.

The Detention Officer (Jailer) Position is a Civil Service-protected position with the Harris County Sheriff's Office.

Requirements

Apply for Detention Officer Here. Requirements include a high school diploma or G.E.D., at least 18 years of age, U.S. citizenship, valid driver's license or state issued ID, correctable vision, and normal audible range in both ears. Testing includes passing pre-employment testing and physical agility. Ability to stand for extended periods of time, bend, stoop, kneel, and lift up to 40 lbs. Additional requirements include a thorough background investigation, psychological evaluation, and drug screening.

Documents must be uploaded before submitting application including birth certificate or certificate of naturalization, social security card, driver's license or state issued ID, proof of education, and DD-214 military discharge form if applicable.

General Information

For detailed information on the benefits offered by Harris County, please click on the "Benefits" tab of the posting. Salary and incentive pay is paid biweekly based on 26 pay periods per year, plus benefits. Up to 12 years of credit for service as a TCOLE certified jailer upon hire (restrictions apply). Paid incentives are available annually, based on 26 pay periods.

The Harris County Sheriff's Office provides its employees the ability to obtain the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) Corrections Officer (Jailers) Certification at no cost through the HCSO Academy. Paid employment begins the first day of the required (7) week Basic Jailers Course at the Harris County Sheriff's Office Academy. Successful completion of the (7) week Basic Jailers Course is required for continued employment as a Detention Officer with the Harris County Sheriff's Office.

Location is downtown, Houston, TX. Hours are 40 hours per week, including nights, weekends, and holidays. Mandatory overtime as deemed necessary to fulfill operational needs.

What Harris County employees say

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About Harris County

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Harris County is the third largest county in the United States with more than 4.7 million residents. There are four precincts in Harris County. The four elected commissioners, along with an elected county judge, serve as members of the Harris County Commissioners Court, the administrative head of the county's government.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Houston, TX, US

Year founded

2000

Social media

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