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Jail Control Room Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Inmate Program Technician - Control Room position was established to staff the secure control room area of the jail. The Control Room Technician will be responsible for performing control room ...

Detention Officer

Dothan, AL · On-site

$19.74 - $31.57/hr

Operates jail control room; monitors security cameras; locks and unlocks doors. Prepares required logs and reports. Serves inmate meals and administers medications. Administers inmate discipline.

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Jail Control Room information

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$34K

$72.3K

$113.5K

How much do jail control room jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for jail control room in the United States is $72,295.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,000.00 and $93,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a jail control room operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Jail Control Room Operator, you need attention to detail, situational awareness, and a high school diploma or equivalent; prior experience in corrections or security is often preferred. Familiarity with surveillance systems, intercoms, alarm systems, and jail management software is typically required. Strong communication skills, composure under pressure, and sound judgment are vital soft skills for effectively coordinating responses and maintaining safety. These skills and qualities are essential for ensuring facility security, quick incident response, and the safety of staff and inmates.

What does a jail control room operator do in a jail?

A jail control room operator monitors and manages security systems, communications, and inmate movement within the jail. They use surveillance equipment, such as cameras and intercoms, and coordinate with staff to ensure safety and security around the clock. Strong attention to detail and communication skills are essential for this role.

What is the difference between Jail Control Room vs Jail Security Officer?

AspectJail Control RoomJail Security Officer
CredentialsSecurity training, communication skillsSecurity training, physical fitness
Work EnvironmentControl room, monitoring stationsPatrols, inmate supervision
Employer & IndustryCorrectional facilities, prisonsCorrectional facilities, prisons
Primary RoleMonitoring, communication, coordinationInmate supervision, security enforcement

The Jail Control Room focuses on monitoring and coordinating activities within the prison through communication systems, while Jail Security Officers are responsible for supervising inmates and maintaining security on the ground. Both roles are essential for prison safety but differ in their daily tasks and work environment.

What is a jail control room operator?

Jail Control Room operators are responsible for monitoring and managing the security systems within a correctional facility. They control doors, surveillance cameras, alarms, and communication systems to ensure the safety of inmates, staff, and visitors. Their role often includes responding to emergencies, coordinating with correctional officers, and maintaining logs of activities. This position requires strong attention to detail, the ability to remain calm under pressure, and familiarity with security protocols.

What are the main responsibilities of a jail control room operator during a typical shift?

A Jail Control Room operator is primarily responsible for monitoring security cameras, controlling access to secure areas, and communicating with correctional officers throughout the facility. On a typical shift, they coordinate inmate movements, respond to alarms or emergencies, and ensure that all security protocols are followed. This role involves high attention to detail and requires quick, calm decision-making in stressful situations. Operators work closely with other staff to maintain a safe and secure environment for both inmates and personnel.
What cities are hiring for Jail Control Room jobs? Cities with the most Jail Control Room job openings:
What states have the most Jail Control Room jobs? States with the most job openings for Jail Control Room jobs include:
Infographic showing various Jail Control Room job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,295 per year, or $34.8 per hour.

Control Room Operator Courts- Sheriff's Office

Salt Lake County

Salt Lake City, UT • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago


Salt Lake County rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 48 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

593rd of 844 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Job Description

Control Room Operator- Courts

$39,309.00- $58,964.00 DOE**

*All job-related experience must be included on the resume portion for it to be considered in the salary offer.

For Benefits information click HERE 

JOB SUMMARY

Monitors and controls the security access and movements into, out of, and within the Jails.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Two (2) years of directly related experience (e.g., Law Enforcement, Facility Protection, Security, Dispatch, Corrections, Loss Prevention, Video Surveillance, Call Center).

Due to the nature of this position, the successful applicant must pass a required background check through fingerprinting and enrollment in the continuous RAP Back (Record of Arrest and Prosecution Back) program in accordance with current County Human Resources policy requirements.

Must receive a verified negative test result on a mandatory drug test before starting in this position. Will be subject to random alcohol and drug testing. May be subject to post-accident and reasonable suspicion alcohol and drug testing. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

  • Controls employee, prisoner, visitor, and volunteer, access to secure doors, booking and visiting areas, units, halls, and high-traffic areas.
  • Remotely monitors movement throughout jails, identifies emergency situations, calls for appropriate correctional and/or medical emergency response, and expedites access through the Jail.
  • Observes prisoners within common areas of housing units, Booking, Visiting, halls, and other areas of jails and secure exterior perimeters.
  • Responds to panel alarms, watches tour time-outs, and intercom communications with prisoners and staff; performs "all-calls" and remote lockdown of unit or facility or facilitates emergency evacuations using override or manual protocols.
  • Receives and dispatches information, requests, and instructions as directed by supervisors or commanders to perform callouts for specialized units.
  • Observes and participates in testing controls for alarms, doors, and elevators and monitors electronic security systems for alarms and problems.
  • Greets visitors and volunteers at the Administration Desk, answers phones, compiles reports and assists the public.
  • Monitors and tests recording equipment for cameras; downloads and copies video.
  • Monitors and controls radio traffic within the facility, including shutting down non-emergency traffic during crises.
  • Prepares daily logs and reports and enters information into databases to capture daily activities.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSA)

Knowledge of: 

  • Principles, practices, and techniques of custody and control
  • Behavior patterns and legal rights of prisoners
  • Operations of sally port controls, cell locks, and control panels commonly used in a secure facility
  • Safety hazards and necessary safety precautions sufficient to establish a safe working environment

Skills and Abilities to:

  • Communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing
  • Respond to multiple requests for information in accordance with established policies, laws, and ordinances
  • Observe, identify, and effectively react to various security situations or emergency conditions and make effective decisions during life-threatening situations
  • Effectively handle multiple tasks and complete work in a timely manner
  • Operate and use video and alarm system equipment, control panels and related software, job-related computer software, and standard office equipment
  • Understand and apply oral, written, illustrated, or demonstrated instructions
  • Maintain highly confidential information concerning the security of the jail
  • Obtain and maintain BCI certification
  • Clearly hear without correction in either ear; see with visual acuity for far, near, and peripheral sight including depth perception and color vision

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Works in a secure Court Facility, requiring constant attention to safety and security measures while working around prisoners.

The job requires sitting for long periods of time, reaching, working with hands, and working in stressful situations where there may be danger to the life, body, and/or health of others.

Requires no uncorrected hearing loss in either ear, visual acuity for far, near, and peripheral sight including depth perception and color vision.

Required to handle emergencies or crises including callouts.

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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