Detention Officer

Description

Department: Sheriff - Detention

Position Control Number: 0418-


FLSA Status: Non-Exempt; position is eligible for overtime

Safety Sensitive Designation: This position is designated as safety-sensitive.

Random Drug/Alcohol Test: Yes

Opening Date: August 26, 2026


Closing Date: September 1, 2026 at 11:59 PM

Anticipated Starting Salary $ 52,221

This job description should not be interpreted as all-inclusive. It is intended to identify the essential functions and minimum qualifications of this job. The incumbent(s) may be required to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this job description. Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign job-related responsibilities and tasks to this job at any time. Certain functions are understood to be essential; these include but are not limited to, attendance, getting along with others, working a full shift, and dealing with and working under stress. Any essential function of this class will be evaluated as necessary should an incumbent/applicant be unable to perform the function or requirement due to a disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Reasonable accommodation for the specific disability will be made for the incumbent/applicant only to the extent medically and reasonably feasible.

An Equal Opportunity Employer

JOB SUMMARY: Responsible for providing security in the detention of inmates within the Pulaski County Regional Detention Facility ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local statutes, ordinances, and regulations.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Conducts daily inspection and maintenance of housing units and facilities to ensure proper security.
• Performs security and direct supervision duties within inmate housing units to maintain custody and control the activities of inmates; remains constantly alert for prisoner disruptions such as escape planning, fighting, thefts, suicide attempts, and other prohibited activity.
• Maintains a complete and accurate count of all inmates and their locations within the facility; conducts an updated count of inmates and unit checks periodically throughout shift.
• Orients inmates to housing units ensuring all inmates understand facility rules.
• Maintains schedules for inmates allowing exercise times, meals, showering, class attendance, medical visits, unit cleaning, laundry exchange, mail delivery, and visitation at appropriate times; documents inmates' activities and movements within the facility.
• Conducts surveillance, unit searches, and shakedowns to locate and confiscate any fabricated weapons and contraband; inspects and inventories all cleaning products, tools, equipment, bedding, clothing, and medical equipment.
• Prepares written incident reports documenting rule violations, offenses, or unusual events; testifies at disciplinary hearings and in court as needed.
• Completes daily and weekly jail reports, inmate activity reports, incident reports, court lists, and correspondence with the courts; inputs information into the computer system.
• Responds to emergencies such as fights, hostage incidents, riots, and incidents involving aggressive and combative inmates; uses force in restraining inmates as needed.
• Provides security for medical staff during the distribution of medicine and physical examinations.
• Receives and searches incoming inmates; reviews admission forms for completeness and accuracy before booking inmates; completes paperwork for admittance and enters inmate information into computer; fingerprints and photographs inmates; transmits fingerprints to other law enforcement agencies.
• Performs required screenings, collection, and inventory of property; ensures inmates are showered, dressed in issued clothing, and given unit supplies and identification badges.
• Transports inmates to appropriate areas in the facility such as medical clinic, classes, library, and barbershop; maintains security at all times and ensures departmental rules and regulations are enforced.
• Monitors facility operation from within the central control room by the operation of technical equipment such as cameras, door lock controls, etc.

SECONDARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Supervises inmates assisting with the preparation of food, removal of trash, cleaning the facility, and laundering uniforms, bedding, and towels.
• Supervises meal delivery and tray return; ensures inmates with special menus received correct tray; notes inmates refusing meals.
• Ensures the delivery of an appropriate number of meals and clothing, bedding, and towels to each inmate.
• Performs armed transport of inmates to and from courts, hospitals, Arkansas Department of Correction, and other law enforcement agencies and medical appointments; provides security for hospitalized inmates.
• Supervises the individuals assigned by the courts to the daywork program; assigns them to appropriate work crew; maintains activity records on all participants.
• Ensures inmates with required court appearances are scheduled for transport from Pulaski County Detention Facility or other detention centers to court at the appropriate time.
• Collects and delivers legal documents, bond money, arrest disposition reports, DNA test kits, warrants, court dockets, etc., for Circuit and District Courts, Sheriff's Department, and other administrative offices.
• Ensures the preparation and distribution of paperwork for inmates committed to the Arkansas Department of Corrections or any regional punishment facility.
• Completes weekly reports reflecting the number of inmates transferred and awaiting transfer to the Arkansas Department of Corrections.
• May serve as a law enforcement instructor conducting jail minimum standards training classes for new recruits; develops curriculum, visual aids, and class material for additional classes; coordinates guest speakers as needed; assesses recruits' progress through the instructional classes; must complete the required training and obtain a certification as a CLEST Instructor if placed on this assignment.
• Performs other related duties as required.

PERSONNEL SUPERVISED: None

WORKING CONDITIONS: Work is performed primarily within a controlled detention environment. Constant supervision and surveillance are necessary to avoid dangerous confrontations and ensure personal safety. Duties may involve occasional restraint of hostile or combative detainees. Transportation of inmates to other facilities is required. Work is performed on a variable shift basis. Overtime may be required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

REQUIRED SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES:

• • Considerable knowledge of federal, state, and local statutes, ordinances, and regulations regarding the detention of inmates.
  • Good knowledge of correctional and detention methods, practices, and procedures.
  • Considerable knowledge of departmental policy and procedure.
  • Good knowledge of direct supervision techniques and methods.
  • Good knowledge of human behavior and modification techniques.
  • Good knowledge of self-defense methods and techniques.
  • Some knowledge of basic mathematics.
  • Ability to read and interpret court orders and other legal documents.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other Pulaski County employees, other law enforcement agencies, and the general public.
  • Ability to observe and monitor behavior to determine compliance with laws, codes, and regulations.
  • Ability to communicate effectively with individuals from a variety of socioeconomic, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds.
  • Ability to maintain custody of prisoners in a direct supervision environment effectively and safely.
  • Ability to conduct searches of inmates, personal property, and buildings.
  • Ability to interview inmates in order to obtain information and resolve conflicts and disputes.
  • Ability to write clear and concise reports.
  • Ability to analyze emergency situations calmly and effectively to determine the appropriate course of action.
  • Ability to maintain detailed and accurate records and documentation.
  • Ability to work a flexible shift assignment schedule.
  • Ability to attend work regularly and reliably.
  • Skill in the operation of and data entry into a computer.
  • Skill in the operation of photography and fingerprinting equipment.
  • Skill in the operation and care of weapons and firearms as required by the department.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• • Ability to use physical means to restrain violent or combative prisoners when necessary.
  • Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, and crouch when conducting prisoner and unit searches.
  • Ability to orally communicate clearly and concisely, both individually and to groups, in person, by telephone, using radio communication equipment, and by intercom.
  • Digital dexterity is necessary to operate a computer keyboard, lock, and push-button control board and conduct person and environment searches.
  • Visual acuity is needed to detect prohibited materials or conditions within the facility and to observe inmate activity and identity.
  • Visual acuity is needed for use of a computer monitor.
  • Ability to climb stairs.
  • Ability to run to the scene of an emergency within the facility when required.
  • Ability to drive a passenger car or van.
  • Ability to work in a constant state of alertness and in a safe manner.
  • Ability to concentrate for long periods of time.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Completion of high school or GED equivalency; some experience working with law enforcement or corrections; or any equivalent combination of experience or training which provides the required skills, knowledge, and abilities.

Requirements

• Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background check, motor vehicle report, child maltreatment check, adult maltreatment check, and psychological evaluation.
• In addition to the pre-employment checks, all employees who operate county vehicles are required to undergo an annual motor vehicle report.
• Must be 21 years of age at the time of hire.
• Must possess or be able to immediately obtain a valid Arkansas Driver's License.
• This position is safety sensitive and is subject to random drug and alcohol testing.
• Regular and reliable attendance is an essential function of this position.
• No Felony Convictions.
• Must obtain Arkansas Jail Minimum Standards within one year of hire.
• Must immediately obtain and maintain CPR certification.
• Must be a US citizen and be able to provide proof when requested by the Sheriff's Department.