Public Safety Officer/Jailer

Job Title

Starting Hiring Range: $44,596 - $54,630, annually

Position Summary

The purpose of this position is to provide detention, intake, custodial care and release of arrested inmates, dissemination of information and assistance to the public, department and law enforcement agencies, and to perform a variety of administrative tasks in support of the Police Department.

Essential Job Functions

• Provides detention, intake, custodial care, and release of arrested inmates including providing supervision and control of inmates during booking, preliminary holdover, confinement, arraignment, release and all other aspects of the jail system. Including assuring inmate safety and security prior to processing into a housing unit or releasing on bond, logging of property and soliciting data to complete reports, fingerprinting and photographing inmates, conducting searches for weapons and drugs, seizing contraband, completing reports, entering data, and performing general jail maintenance, cleaning, and sanitation.
• Monitors care of inmates in the detention facility, serving meals providing minor medical attention, showers, visitors, and telephone calls.
• Maintains physical order and discipline among detention facility inmates.
• Conducts emergency evacuation of inmates and operates related emergency equipment (air pack, fire extinguisher, fire hose, etc.).
• Explains bail and bond out options to inmates.
• Responds to requests and inquiries concerning detention facility activities and operations.
• Issues appropriate inmate prisoner information to the public.
• Ensures the safety and security of prisoners by operating electronic and mechanical locking equipment.
• Operates visual and audio surveillance equipment.
• Conducts periodic inmate and cell searches.
• Completes daily reports of activities and records inmate and staff activity.
• Operates technical computerized equipment as related to detention of inmates.
• Provides appropriate information and assistance to the public, department and law enforcement agencies concerning facility activities and operations.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

High School Diploma or GED equivalent is required. Experience as a Detention Officer or Jailer with a municipality is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• This position normally performs the duty assignment after receiving detailed instructions as to methods, procedures, and desired end results with little room for deviation.
• Ability to communicate in a clear, effective, and concise manner, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to exercise good judgment and make sound decisions under stress.
• Ability to effectively communicate with and elicit information from distraught and irate individuals.
• Ability to follow instructions, safety practices, procedures, and perform work accurately and thoroughly which requires performing multiple tasks simultaneously under time pressures, intense stress, and deadlines.
• Skilled in the operation of communications equipment, computer, two-way radios, and required equipment.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective and harmonious working relationships with all people.
• Ability to correctly interpret, explain, and apply laws, rules, operations, practices, procedures, regulations, and policies.
• Ability to be punctual and attend work regularly.
• Ability to appear and testify in Court.
• Ability to be organized and have efficient management of time and deadlines.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Knowledge and ability to utilize computers and applicable software on a daily basis including: Microsoft Office Suite, CRIMES CAD system, PSRS, Identix, and Milestone.
• Ability to allocate and utilize limited resources in a cost-effective manner.
• Ability to regularly interact with others and exchange and receive of information, providing effective and tactful customer service, and work independently with a high level of discretion.
• Ability to be punctual and attend work regularly.

Special Requirements

Must be at least 18 years of age. Must be able to work rotating shifts including days, evenings, nights, weekends and holidays. Ability to work on-call as needed. Must be able to pass a comprehensive background check, CJIS and fingerprint check, and have the ability to comply with state and federal requirements for criminal justice information security standards. This position is classified as a safety-sensitive position and is subject to random drug and alcohol testing during the course of employment. Licenses & Certifications Completion of the TCOLE Municipal Jailer Course is required, or must be completed within one (1) year of employment. Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license with acceptable driving record as established by the City of Midlothian driving standards.

Work Environment

Work is usually performed indoors in a climate controlled detention facility. Occasional exposure to hazardous conditions, materials and infectious and contagious diseases and physical assaults form violent inmates. Work performed causes light fatigue of eyes, fingers, wrists, arms, and other facilities because of fairly continuous use of motor senses. Must be able to maintain alert motor functions at all times during work shift. Physical demands require continuous effort with heavy materials up to 175 lbs.; requires physically retraining a resisting person, ability to drag or carry inmate or employee a minimum of 20 yards, lifting, carrying, dragging, stooping, bending, standing, sitting, walking, crawling, and crouching.