Detention Officer – Cadet

Salary: $49.052.00

Closing Date: December 31, 2026

Position Summary:

If you are interested in pursuing a career as a Detention Officer, submit your application for a Detention Officer Cadet position. Selected candidates will attend the Detention Officer Certification Course (DOCC). Upon successful completion of all training requirements, the cadet will be certified as a North Carolina Basic Detention Officer.

Essential Functions:

• Processes inmates into custody of institution, searches prisoners, takes charge of personal property; provides opportunity to call attorney or relative, advises on institutional rules and regulations.
• Patrols assigned area periodically to ensure security and maintain order.
• Supervises inmates during meals, exercise, work, recreation and personal hygiene and related activities for conformance to institutional rules, regulations and procedures.
• Attends to special needs of prisoners and attempts to resolve individual problems if possible.
• Escorts and transports inmates as required.
• Secures cell doors to prevent conflicts between inmates.
• Prepares routine records on inmates; performs general clerical duties, prepares court lists.
• Ensures the care and maintenance of quarters, work and recreational equipment used by inmates.
• Arranges visits, inspects items brought into the jail, checks incoming and outgoing mail.
• Performs related work as assigned.

Requirements:

• Must be at least 20 years old.
• Must be a citizen of the United States.
• Must have a high school diploma or equivalent. **Training & Standards require a high school equivalency diploma be at least partial classroom.
• Must possess or be able to obtain a North Carolina driver’s license.
• Must not have been convicted of a felony or serious misdemeanor.
• Must pass a reading comprehension exam and a physical ability/readiness test.
• Must live within 50 miles of downtown Durham (or willing to relocate upon being hired).

Preferred Requirements:

• Must successfully complete the Detention Officer Certification Course (DOCC) within one (1) year of employment.