Cell Block Attendant (Provisional) BPD

Cell Block Attendant

Incumbents to position in this class are responsible for the enforcement of rules and regulations governing the custody, security, conduct, discipline, safety and general well-being of prisoners in a city lock-up. Incumbents, who work on an assigned shift, have considerable prisoner contact and supervision of them. The Cell Block Attendant must be alert to possibilities of emergency situations arising and exercise sound judgment when problems occur. Work is performed under the immediate supervision of a sworn officer with leeway for the exercise of independent judgment in dealing with day-to-day situations in the lock-up.

Examples of work (Illustration Only):

• Makes periodic rounds and supervises the movement and activities of prisoners on an assigned shift;
• Checks cells and corridor areas for faulty bars, gates, etc.
• Makes routine fire and safety checks;
• Monitors surveillance equipment including video and/or audio equipment;
• Locks and unlocks cells and access doors using mechanical and electrical devices;
• Maintains jail security at an assigned post;
• Monitors prisoners for unusual incidents or activities including violation of lock-up rules or life-threatening situations;
• Reports same to supervisor on shift;
• Mediates minor prisoners incidents;
• Takes direct action to break up fights or other disturbances between prisoners;
• Assists in the completion of the prisoner intake process by taking fingerprints and photo identification;
• Inventories and records prisoners clothing and personal property;
• Issues disposable clothing and blankets and instructs prisoners in its proper care;
• Operates a variety of equipment including electronic gate equipment, two-way radios, leg irons, handcuffs, etc.;
• Escorts visitors and observes prisoners visitations;
• Searches cells, frisks prisoners and confiscates contraband;
• Listens to prisoners problems;
• Advises them of the rules and regulations governing conduct, discipline, safety and their general well being while at the city lock-up facility;
• Makes referrals to appropriate staff when problems cannot be resolved;
• May be required, if departmentally trained, to use chemical agents, restraining devices and protection equipment in case of fights or other disturbances;
• Distributes meals to prisoners as required;
• Dispenses a variety of prescription medications as indicated by prisoners at time of their intake/booking;
• Prepares and maintains a variety of records and reports related to the care of prisoners and security of the lock-up facility;
• Operates a variety of office equipment during the processing of prisoners or preparation of records and reports;
• May be required to transport or escort prisoners to court;
• Performs related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Open Competitive:

Graduation from High School, GED or Equivalency Diploma.

(Proof of education must be presented at time of filing application.)

Special Requirements

• Candidates may be required to participate in a physical fitness test prior to appointment.
• Must successfully complete a training process conducted by the Department of Corrections and/or Buffalo Police Department within six months of date of appointment. This includes being certified as a New York State Peace Officer.
• Peace Officer status must be maintained for the duration of your employment.

Additional Information

Full Performance Knowledges, Skills, Abilities and Personal Characteristics

Good knowledge of and the ability to interpret the rules, regulations and requirements of the Correction Law and the Buffalo Police Department governing the supervision and treatment of prisoners safety and the security of the facility and department employees;

Good knowledge of the layout and location of security personnel post assignments throughout the lock-up facility;

Good knowledge of search and frisk methods;

Working knowledge of the proper function of lock-up security equipment, devices and safe use of chemical restraining agents;

Working knowledge of the use of defensive and restraining physical techniques;

Working knowledge of human behavior in relation to prisoners being detained in lock-up;

Working knowledge of first aid;

Ability to observe, interpret and report on prisoner activity;

Ability to deal with prisoners firmly and courteously;

Ability to understand and interpret rules and regulations of the lock-up and to verbally communicate them to prisoners;

Ability to make quick decisions regarding lock-up security and personal safety in emergency situations;

Ability to possess a memory for facts and information;

Ability to reason clearly;

Sound judgment;

Good powers of observation;

Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position