Corrections Officer

Laconia, NH
Belknap County Sheriff

Salary: $26.13-$38.56

Position Summary:

Under the general supervision of the Watch Commander provides care, custody and control of inmates. Provides protection of society through the detention and confinement of pre-trial detainees and post-trial inmates in a safe and secure environment. Ensures a safe living and working environment for staff and inmates. Performs rounds of the facility. Performs headcounts.

Essential Functions:

  • Maintains security of assigned facility by observing and controlling inmate behavior, enforcing department rules and regulations, and reporting observations;
  • Attends to inmates in an orderly manner and ensures that they receive the best treatment in all aspects of
    their daily lives;
  • Receives inmates from law enforcement agencies. Receives, processes and classifies as assigned, incoming inmates. Processes release of inmates;
  • Answers inmates’ questions concerning law enforcement and legal agencies as qualified or directs questions to appropriate person(s);
  • Monitors inmate movement and visitation within facility. Oversees inmate recreation, exercise and work details as assigned. Prevents altercations between inmates when possible. Works with other Correctional Officers;
  • Prepares inmates for court and medical transports. Prepares inmates for court appointments. Performs
    necessary paperwork and filing duties;
  • Assist police departments, lawyers and courts with inmate information, if applicable, with written authorization;
  • Conducts checks of inmate housing and cell searches for inmate census and detection of contraband;
  • Monitors visitors entering and exiting the facility;
  • Inspects the living conditions within the housing units for compliance with sanitation objectives;
  • Assists in dispensing meals to inmates and distributing laundry and mail;
  • Assists medical staff during dispensing of medications and monitoring doctor’s visits;
  • Provides suicide watch on suspected inmates as necessary;
  • Interacts with numerous other law enforcement and legal agencies;
  • Requests and maintains Criminal Record Checks;
  • Writes incident and/or accident report. Files and organizes paperwork ensuring documentation is complete and correct. Maintains a daily log of facility activities. Reports any and all problems to supervisor;
  • Controls, operates, and inspects life safety equipment, electronic safety and surveillance equipment, and
    door control systems;
  • Participates in evacuation procedures and maintains security in emergency situations;
  • Provides information to inmates and the public regarding Corrections Department rules and regulations;
  • Physically restrains inmates with handcuffs and other appropriate restraint devices as needed;
  • Carries and safely deploys department approved weapons as trained and when so directed;
  • Wears, carries, uses, and maintains other personal safety equipment;
  • May testify in court proceedings;
  • Participates in the investigation and compilation of information regarding inmate grievances and hearings;
  • Maintains appropriate security and confidentiality of all information and materials encountered in the performance of his/her duties;
  • Assists in updating policies, operational procedures, programs, and statistical data;
  • Provides information and tours for outside agencies and authorized visitors;
  • Prepares lesson plans, instructs corrections officers and inmates, coordinates corrections training programs, and assists units with in-service training;
  • May serve in specialized assignments, e.g., Field Training Officer (FTO); Assist with Inmate Classifications, Investigations, Livescan, Electronic Monitoring Bracelet Program, Inmate transports both emergency and non-emergency

Requirements:

  • Applicants must be 18 years of age and able to safely and efficiently perform essential job functions.
  • High school diploma or equivalent and ability to obtain and maintain NHAC certification is required.
  • Associates degree in a criminal justice-related field is preferred – Prior law enforcement or military experience may be substituted in order to fulfill this requirement; previous experience in law enforcement or corrections field; someone with self-defense training and crowd/riot control, restraint training preferred.
  • Must be able to pass physical agility requirements; medical and psychological evaluation.
  • Possession of a valid NH Operators driver’s license is required at the time of appointment.
  • Current first-aid and cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification (American Red Cross or equivalent) must be acquired prior to completion of initial training and must also be maintained as a condition of employment.
  • The ability to pass and maintain the department approved physical agility standards (Cooper test); Certification to wear and maintain department approved and issued personal protective equipment and weapons is required of all positions.