Custody Officer

Police Custody Officer

This recruitment may close before the deadline listed above or upon receipt of the first 100 applications, whichever comes first. Under general supervision, enforces and ensures the safety and well-being of detainees and arrestees until their release; processes the admission and release of persons in custody including preparing booking reports and release forms, fingerprinting, photographing and safeguarding property entrusted to their care; transports arrestees to outside facilities and/or hospitals; assists other police department personnel in a variety of duties; and performs related work as required. Receives general supervision from assigned supervisory or management personnel.

This journey level classification is responsible for independently performing police custody duties in support of the Police Department custody facilities. Positions at this level exercise judgment and initiative in their assigned tasks, receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. This class is distinguished from the Jail Supervisor in that the latter is the full supervisory-level class in the series responsible for organizing, assigning, supervising, and reviewing the work of assigned staff involved in jail operations.

Examples of typical job functions (illustrative only):

• Receives, searches and processes prisoners; books, photographs, fingerprints, and houses inmates.
• Assumes responsibility for the welfare and safety of all detainees within the City jail facility; performs security, safety, and health checks of persons and facilities.
• Inventories, books, stores, and releases property to owners.
• Checks records for warrant, prior criminal history and confirmation of identity.
• Maintains logs and records related to inmates in custody and related jail activities.
• Issues food, supplies, provide showers, reading material and board games to inmates.
• Assigns inmates Personal Identification Numbers and assists with making phone calls using the jail phone system.
• Transports inmates from field locations to the city jail and from the jail to other detention facilities.
• Transports inmates to medical centers and supervises them while they obtain medical treatment.
• Reviews inmate release paperwork for thoroughness and accuracy; releases inmates and property.
• Establishes bail based on the bail schedule; relays bail information to public and bail bondsmen; accepts bail money, bail bonds and completes proper paperwork.
• Assists Officers in collecting evidence including witnessing blood draws, performing breath tests, taking photos, capturing video/audio, use of Gun Shot Residue (GSR) kits, collection of clothing/other items, etc.
• Maintains Department of Justice issued Portable Evidential Breath Testing (PEBT) equipment.
• Prevents and controls jail disturbances; documents incidents, or crimes, that occur in the jail by writing police reports; testifies in court when necessary.
• Prepares and serves food to inmates.
• Oversees maintenance and cleanliness of jail.
• Observes and complies with City and mandated safety rules, regulations and protocols.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

• Principles, practices, methods, and techniques of law enforcement agencies.
• Principles and practices of prisoner supervision and control. Security considerations and measures in a jail environment.
• Principles, practices, methods, and techniques of the City's prisoner custody program from booking to release.
• City geography, maps, streets, landmarks, and driving directions.
• Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility.
• Principles and procedures of record keeping.
• Principles and practices of data collection and report preparation.

Ability to:

• Enforce laws, rules and regulations in the detainment of arrestees and inmates.
• Gain compliance from and restrain individuals consistent with departmental policies and procedures.
• Search arrestees held in custody to identify contraband and possible dangerous items.
• Assist officers in preparing prisoners for court appearances and transporting and releasing prisoners to the custody of the court.
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Read and interpret maps and other pertinent documentation.
• Interpret, apply and explain policies, procedures, regulations, ordinances, codes, and regulations.
• Assess situations while remaining calm and using sound, independent judgment.
• Maintain accurate logs, records, and written records of work performed.
• Compile and summarize information and data to prepare accurate, clear, and concise reports.
• Organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical deadlines.
• Safely and effectively use and operate specialized equipment required for the work.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Minimum qualifications:

Education and Experience: Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be: Education: Equivalent to completion of the twelfth (12th) grade. Experience: One (1) year of experience providing support to a public safety program; program areas may include, but are not limited to, administration, traffic enforcement, security or a related field. Licenses and Certifications: Possession of a valid California Driver's License to be maintained throughout employment. Completion of PC 832 Certification or Standards and Training for Corrections (STC) Jailer Certification preferred. Successful completion the State of California Correction Officer Core course.

Additional information:

Physical demands must maintain physical standards, including mobility, as determined by the City; strength, stamina, and mobility to perform light to heavy physical work within a jail environment and standard office setting, and to operate a motor vehicle to transport prisoners; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone or radio. The job involves frequent walking through the jail facility. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate tools and equipment. Positions in this classification bend, stoop, kneel, reach, and climb to perform work within the jail facility. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects with weight limits as determined by the City.

Environmental conditions employees work in an indoor jail facility; when assigned to tasks outside the facility, employees are exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, an inclement weather conditions, Employees frequently act with prisoners in confined locations, and often in a hostile environment. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives, and contractors in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures. The principal duties of this class are performed in a police station environment with exposure to criminal offenders, mentally ill individuals, and persons potentially infected with communicable diseases.

E-Verify: The City of El Monte is an E-Verify employer. E-Verify is an Internet based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA) that allows participating employers to electronically verify the employment eligibility of newly hired employees in the United States.