Detention Officer

Emporia, KS
Lyon County Sheriff

Salary: $22.04/hr.

Position Summary:

This is a full-time non-exempt position. Performs assigned duties to assure efficient and lawful operation of the Detention Center.

Essential Functions:

  • The officers will process incoming and outgoing prisoners.
  • The officers will transport inmates to court, medical appointments, and other law enforcement facilities. Transport will be on foot, by auto or if necessary, by ambulance. The officers are also responsible for moving inmates to other assigned areas to meet with attorneys, law enforcement officers, and for religious services or Alcoholics Anonymous groups. Officers are responsible for applying appropriate restraints during transport and for maintaining proper supervision.
  • The officers will allow prisoners access to the telephone at specified times to make out-going calls. Prisoners will be allowed access to the Centers library including requested legal materials. This includes accepting written requests for legal assistance and delivering to the Clerk for distribution to attorneys.
  • Maintain a daily log of all activities within the Center including visits by the public, relatives of inmates, attorneys and Court Services personnel.
  • Maintain the safety of the staff and the residents of the facility. All incoming property will be searched for the presence of weapons and contraband. Inspect cells as necessary to search for weapons and contraband.
  • Supervise all inmate visitations from professionals or authorized visitors and conduct searches and log all incoming property intended for prisoners.
  • Contact medical personnel as needed following observation of prisoner health complaints. EMTs or an ambulance may be summoned for emergency situations. Appointments will be made for non-emergency situations. Assure proper medication for prisoner prescribed medications, disperse as directed and keep a log.
  • Distribute prisoner requested writing material and stamp according to policy. Pick up outgoing mail and deliver to the Clerk for mailing or pickup.
  • Maintain cleanliness and order in the facility. Collect trash following meals. Wash laundry from the facility and inmates personal laundry. Disperse personal hygiene items to the prisoners.
  • Maintain personal knowledge of all inmates and assure that they are accounted for and in their proper location.
  • Advise the Food Supervisor of the prisoner count and serve three meals each day. Note any special dietary needs of any prisoner.
  • Act as Deputy Clerk for the District Court by completing bond forms. Serve warrants as needed on prisoners in court or at the Center. Assist Deputies, Dispatchers and Juvenile Attenders with the fulfillment of their duties.
  • All other duties as assigned by the Sheriff.

Requirements:

  • Applicant must be 18 years of age.
  • Applicant must not have been convicted of a crime that would constitute a felony under the laws of this state, a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence or a misdemeanor offense that the commission determines reflects on the honesty, trustworthiness, integrity or competence of the applicant as defined by rules and regulations of the commission;
  • Applicant must be of good moral character sufficient to warrant the public trust in the applicant as a detention officer or law enforcement officer;
  • The applicant must have a high school diploma, GED, or obtained the equivalent of a high school education.
  • The applicant must be able to read, write and speak English fluently; the ability to speak a second language is desirable.
  • The applicant must be able to successfully complete the County employment application and pass the County Physical examination including a drug screen.
  • The applicant must be able to pass a background investigation and polygraph examination.
  • Experience: None
  • Knowledge: Acquire knowledge of statutory requirements pertaining to this job. Must have ability to receive, interpret and follow verbal and written instructions.
  • Skills: Operate motor vehicle (requires valid class C drivers license), two-way radio, calculator, and other law enforcement equipment.
  • Problem Solving: Frequent situations arise in this job.
  • Decision Making: Frequent situations arise ranging from following established policies and procedures to life threatening.
  • Supervisory: Moderate when assigned to back up Supervisor or perform as a shift leader.
  • Financial/Budgetary Accountability: Moderate. Handles inmate funds and property. Budgetary None.
  • Interpersonal: Intense level of contact with inmates, moderate contact with department personnel and other County offices. Frequent public and professional contacts.
  • Language Skills: Must be able to read write and speak English fluently, ability to speak second language helpful.
  • Working Conditions: Facilities are current State of the Art. May be exposed to some weather elements and life-threatening situations. Will involve physical control of inmates at times and some encounters of resistance by inmates is possible. Inmates may physically engage without provocation with Detention Staff.
  • Physical Requirements: Must be able to experience short periods of very high intensity of physical exertion. Must be able to pass physical examination and drug test. Requires sufficient visual acuity to read and write and operate office equipment. Requires sufficient hearing level to be able to deal with the public and communicate with others directly or by telephone.