Deputy Sheriff / Corporal / Detention Officer

Athens, GA
Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County

Deputy Sheriff / Corporal applicants with qualified (BLE certified) prior experience may be eligible for higher placement/salary in the step plan.

***$6000 HIRING INCENTIVE***

A $6,000, one time hiring incentive, to be paid in $2,000 increments (not added to base salary). Eligible newly hired Deputy Sheriffs/Corporals will receive an incremental hiring incentive upon satisfactory job performance, after completion of 3 months of service; after completion of 6 months of service; and finally after completion of 12 months of employment for a total of $6,000. Continuation of this Recruitment/Hiring Incentive Program is subject to available funding and approval by the Manager.

***$3000 HIRING INCENTIVE***

A $3,000, one time hiring incentive, to be paid in $1,000 increments (not added to base salary). Eligible newly hired Detention Officers will receive an incremental hiring incentive upon satisfactory job performance, after completion of 3 months of service; after completion of 6 months of service; and finally after completion of 12 months of employment for a total of $3,000. Continuation of this Recruitment/Hiring Incentive Program is subject to available funding and approval by the Manager.

Purpose of Job

Detention Officer: The purpose of this position is to ensure security and protection of property of the jail facility, complete the admission process of inmates, prevent escapes, control behavior of inmates, protect inmates from each other, and provide for the wellbeing of inmates. The incumbent must be diligent in maintaining an inmate count, overseeing the dispensing of medication, and be able to take personal property of inmates. The incumbent must also adhere to definite standard operating procedures established by the Office to ensure that the inmates’ constitutional rights are observed. It is a demanding position that requires a heightened state of readiness at all times. A person in this position does not supervise other employees.

Deputy Sheriff: The purpose of this job is to preserve the peace and enforces the laws of the State of Georgia. Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, protecting life and property, enforcing state laws, maintaining jail security, serving warrants and civil papers, providing courthouse and courtroom security, transporting prisoners, performing necessary functions to ensure safety and well-being of inmates, employees and visitors. It is a demanding position, and when assigned to the jail it requires a heightened state of readiness at all times.

Minimum Training & Experience Required to Perform Essential Job Functions

  • Must be a United States Citizen.
  • Must be at least 18 years of age.
  • High school diploma or equivalent required.
  • Must complete GCIC Security and Awareness training within 10 days of hire.
  • Must complete the core module requirements of the jail training program within 2 months of assignment.
  • Must obtain certification in First Aid and CPR within 3 months of hire.
  • Must complete Basic Jail Certification Course within 6 months of hire.
  • Previous law enforcement or corrections experience preferred.

Deputy Sheriff Only:

  • Valid Driver’s License required.
  • Must possess current POST certification as set forth in the Georgia Mandate Law Enforcement Training Act/Peace Officer’s Standards and Training Act.
  • Must qualify and requalify with service weapon(s) semiannually upon obtaining peace officer certification. 
  • When assigned to driving the bus to transport inmates: Must possess a Class A or B CDL with passenger endorsement. 
  • When assigned to the Field Section, must complete the court training program or field training program within 3 months of assignment.