Detention Officer (Certified)

St. George, SC
Dorchester County Sheriff

Salary: $45,903.65 – $50,494.02 Annually

Closing Date: 10/31/2024

Position Summary:

The purpose of the class is to provide for the safety of staff and inmates and the security of the detention facility; to supervise inmate activities; and to perform related corrections and law enforcement work as assigned. This class works according to some procedures but decides how or when to do things; work is reviewed regularly by supervisor.

Essential Functions:

  • Maintains the security and safety of the detention facility, inmates and staff through implementation of established policies and procedures.
  • Interviews detainees ascertains if detainee has a bond hearing; and checks rap sheets to see where detainee needs to be housed. May reclassify detainee housing if there are issues.
  • Monitors jail access and egress.
  • Monitors security cameras, closed circuit TV system, alarm systems, automated locking systems and other specialized security equipment.
  • Processes and books inmates; searches, photographs and fingerprints inmates; secures inmates’ property; and issues supplies.
  • Supervises meals, visitation, recreation and exercise, educational activities, telephone privileges, counseling, court visits, movement within the facility, and medical attention; conducts head counts regularly.
  • Maintains control of assigned work crews.
  • Ensures that inmates are provided with appropriate sanitary conditions, clothing and supplies; administers First Aid as required.
  • May assist with processing indigent envelopes as needed; obtaining supplies as needed; and delivering inmate mail.
  • Patrols facility to ensure security; inspects locking and security devices and doors for proper working condition.
  • Routinely searches inmates, cells, kitchen and other inmate-accessible areas for contraband and other safety and security hazards.
  • Observes and maintains orderly conduct among inmate population; subdues unruly or violent individuals; responds to emergency situations on jail property; and investigates incidents, crimes, disputes, abuse of drugs, etc., among inmates and detainees.
  • Processes inmates for release as ordered.
  • Transports inmates to court or to other facilities as required.
  • Completes and maintains required paperwork.
  • Performs custodial and general maintenance of jail facility and equipment.
  • Communicates with law enforcement personnel, probation and parole officers, court personnel, victim advocates, attorneys, volunteers, clergy, medical care practitioners and others regarding individual cases.
  • Performs special duties or completes special projects as assigned.
  • Receives and responds to citizens’ inquiries, concerns and complaints concerning detention facility activities.
  • May be on call 24 hours per day, seven days per week.
  • May assist with assigning or processing requests and grievance forms.
  • Performs general clerical work as required, including compiling information and statistics for reports, preparing reports and records, maintaining logs, entering and retrieving computer data, copying and filing documents, processing daily mail, covering the front desk, answering the telephone, etc.
  • Attends periodic training, seminars, meetings, etc., to keep abreast of current detention, law enforcement and investigative trends, technology and legislation; maintains required physical fitness per department and required level of proficiency in the use of tasers.
  • Performs other related job duties as assigned.

Requirements:

  • High school diploma or GED supplemented by the completion of required law enforcement coursework.
  • Must possess and maintain SC Officer Certification as Detention Officer (LE2).
    May require additional professional or technical certification(s) as deemed necessary by supervisor.
    Must meet other requirements as set forth in applicable South Carolina statutes and regulations.
  • Must be at least 18 years of age.
  • Must provide certified ten-year driver’s history and possess a valid driver’s license.
  • Must pass extensive background check including: No Criminal History, Nelson Denny Exam (Score 96), Interview, Polygraph Exam, Psychological Exam, Physical Exam, Physical Agility Test
  • Must be willing to work any shift, days, nights, weekends and holidays, and any location either St. George or Summerville, SC
  • Must be willing to work on-call shift as needed