Detention Officer

Salary: $54,000.00 Annually

Position Summary:
The purpose of this classification is to provide and maintain security, safety, care, and control of inmates, detention facility, and facility equipment and to supervise inmates in the County Jail, Jail Annexes, Grady Detention and the Fulton County Courthouse. Incumbents in this class are new to the department and have completed the required training.
Essential Functions:

• Enforces all the rules and regulations of the jail; maintains safety and security of the general public, facility staff, and inmates; takes custody of new arrivals; escorts inmates to various parts of the jail facility.
• Receives/processes incoming inmates: explains jail rules, regulations and procedures; searches prisoners, conducts property inventory, and secures personal property; prepares in-processing documentation; makes photographs and fingerprint records of incoming prisoners; obtains GCIC background reports; conducts book-in interviews; documents personal histories; answers questions from prisoners; determines appropriate classification of each inmate according to charges, medical condition, and/or security risk; segregates prisoners into proper cells; assigns jail housing; and issues clothing, bedding and personal hygiene items.
• Monitors inmate activities inside the facility on a continual basis, such as during meals, cleaning activities, exercise, work/cleanup detail, recreation, visitation, religious services, personal hygiene, and related activities; takes and records periodic headcounts of inmates; conducts medical/sick call to distribute medications; controls movements of inmates; monitors work details; manages inmate workers/trustees; transports prisoners to medical facilities, other law enforcement facilities, or other locations as assigned; and reports unusual observations to superiors.
• Coordinates, monitors, or performs various functions associated with ensuring the health, safety and welfare of inmates, which may include serving of meals, provision of clothing/bedding, provision of medical aid/supplies, coordination of visitation and telephone communications, or distribution of mail.
• Maintains security of facility: performs periodic security checks of facility; monitors video surveillance and radio equipment; checks door locks; controls door operations; conducts emergency fire drills; conducts jail shakedowns; searches inmates, cells, building and ground areas to locate/remove contraband and to maintain security; assists in controlling/restraining violent/unruly prisoners; responds to prisoner, employee, or facility emergencies; operates fire suppression equipment; and provides first-aid and/or CPR if needed.
• Conducts release of prisoners per established procedures; prepares out-processing documentation; runs GCIC reports on inmates; releases prisoners upon bonding out, for termination of cases, or for placement on probation; and oversees the cleaning of inmates’ quarters or cleans cells upon prisoner release.
• Responds to questions, complaints, and requests for information by telephone or in person from inmates, the general public, court personnel, medical staff, attorneys, clergy, officers, employees, and supervisors.
• Ensures inmates with special needs receive required attention including those with contagious disease, those with suicidal tendencies or special medical problems.
• Mediates disputes between inmates and/or staff members; counsels and/or disciplines inmates as required.
• Conducts GCIC checks on arrestees; enters/retrieves computer data that may include booking cards, prisoner history file, inmate property inventory list, inmate medical information, investigation data, personal and criminal records check, fugitive information, background and history information.
• Attends shift meetings, seminars, and training sessions as required to maintain knowledge of departmental and county operations, to promote improved job performance, and to maintain knowledge of changing policies, procedures, codes, and laws.
• Maintains a comprehensive, current knowledge and awareness of applicable laws, regulations, policies and procedures; maintains an awareness of new equipment, procedures, trends and advances in the profession; reads professional literature; maintains professional affiliations; participates in continuing education activities.
• Processes a variety of documentation associated with department/division operations, within designated timeframes and per established procedures: receives and reviews various documentation, including Compstat profile sheets, J-Rosters, inventory sheets, and medical/sick call sheets; reviews, completes, processes, forwards or retains as appropriate; prepares or completes various forms, reports, correspondence, and other documentation, including incident reports, master count sheets, cell search sheets, and floor activity logs; compiles data for further processing or for use in preparation of department reports; and maintains computerized and/or hardcopy records.
• Operates or uses various equipment and supplies in order to complete work assignments: operates and maintains a variety of law enforcement equipment; operates a personal computer to enter, retrieve, review or modify data, utilizing word processing, spreadsheet, database, Internet, e-mail, or other software; and operates general office or other equipment as necessary to complete essential functions.
• Communicates with supervisor, other employees, inmates, clergy, attorneys, the public, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information, or resolve problems.

Requirements:

• High school diploma or GED
• Be at least 20 years of age
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Integrity, resilience, and a commitment to public service
• Ability to pass background checks and physical assessments
• Must complete and maintain Basic Jail Officer Certification in addition to CPR and First Aid.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Georgia driver’s license within 30 days of becoming a resident.