Detention Officer-Deputy

La Plata, CO
La Plata County Sheriff's Office

Salary: $56,160.00 – $79,040.00 Annually.

Closing Date: 9/29/2024

Position Summary:
Performs routine work in the safekeeping of prisoners in the custody of the Sheriff at the La Plata County Detention Facility. Protects the well-being of prisoners overseeing them at meals and in their quarters.

Essential Functions:

  • Secures all exterior and security doors in the facility by visually monitoring all movement of all people in the facility and controls movement utilizing the control board; controls all lights, alarms, elevators, and other override equipment; contacts outside agencies such as fire, EMS, etc. as needed; serves as central command post for emergency procedures in the event of fire, riot, etc.
  • Observes and controls inmate movement within the housing unit; conducts inmate searches for contraband; utilizes force and/or self-defense techniques as necessary to maintain order; provides first aid and CPR when necessary.
  • Monitors inmates’ behavior and attitudes for signs of personality changes, depression, and developing conflicts between inmates; enforces the rules and guidelines for inmates which includes initiating disciplinary action when necessary; prepares and maintains records of inmates’ physical or mental problems; delivers prescription and non-prescription medications.
  • Maintains records and prepares reports of inmates transported and returned to detention facility.
  • Reviews arresting officers paperwork for completeness before accepting incoming inmate; pat or strip searches inmates as necessary and required by guidelines to find contraband; inventories inmates clothing, personal property, and money; fingerprints and takes mug shot for verification by local, State, and Federal agencies; utilizes force and/or self-defense techniques to restrain disruptive or combative inmates; escort inmates staying in custody to property where they are searched, deliced, showered, and dressed in issued clothing.
  • Prepares and maintains records of daily activities on the computer in accordance with departmental policies and procedures; receives, opens, and inspects incoming mail.
  • Prepares and maintains accurate log entries detailing the services and daily routines; creates and maintains files on inmates recording the time/dates/reason for incarceration, any changes in the conditions or requirements of incarceration and the time/date/authority for release.
  • Supervises all movement in the facility; serves as first responder when there is a problem in a pod, fight, medical emergency, etc.; escorts inmates needing additional supervision or security; monitors radio traffic; supervises trustees in cleaning common areas and accounts for cleaning supplies used; conducts linen change in pod and assists medical officer when necessary.
  • Verifies inventory of inmates clothing, personal property, and money against written records; utilizes departmental guidelines to determine property items an inmate may take into housing and stores the other items to be returned upon release.
  • Verifies inmates ability to leave facility by utilizing the computer and written records from the facility, local, State, and Federal agencies and the courts; generates and completes release paperwork; sends copies to records and other agencies as required.
  • Maintains security of the clinic and the safety of the medical staff by monitoring all inmates coming into the clinic; conducts searches of the clinic and inmates attending the clinic for contraband.
  • Operates various technical equipment to monitor and control the activities of inmates and their visitors which includes controlling cameras, operating doors, elevators, showers and fire escape.
  • Serves as Rover patrolling halls and monitoring inmates’ movement; ensures inmates arrive at desired destinations as scheduled; serves as first responder to disturbances; assists officers assigned to a pod.
  • Supervises meal delivery, pick-up and tray return; removes trash from the facility; ensures inmates with special menus receive correct tray; notes inmates refusing meals.
  • Conducts inmate head counts; monitors activities of suicidal inmates, violent inmates, and trouble causing felons; monitors inmates during visitation and recreation periods.
  • Ensures all inmates are accounted for at all times; prevents inmate escapes, introduction and /or passing of contraband and prevents the assault or injury of inmates and staff; ensures that each inmate receives their meals, clothing changes, mail, opportunity for exercise, etc. as set forth in departmental policy.
  • Prepares written reports on incidents occurring inside the facility with includes the actions/use of necessary force by the officers to be utilized in criminal prosecutions, defense against lawsuits, disciplinary procedures against inmates and at time for internal affair investigations.
  • Prepares reports detailing operational problems such as defective equipment, suggestions for improving services, or hazardous conditions.
  • Answers inmates questions regarding the rules and regulations of the facility, provides information regarding the booking process, bond amounts, and charges, etc.
  • Performs other related duties as assigned.
  • Regular and predictable attendance is required.

Requirements:

  • High School diploma or GED; or,
  • Any combination of education, training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
  • Valid State Driver’s License.
  • CPR and First Aid Certified.