Detention Officer

Detention Officer

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 include:

• 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

Typical qualifications include:

Educational Requirements:

High School/GED - Required

Associate's Degree - Preferred

Bachelor's Degree - Preferred

Preferred 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 include:

• 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 here. 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.