Detention Officer -Trainee and Lateral

Phoenix, AZ
Maricopa County Sheriff

Salary: $26.00 – $30.50 – $35.00

Essential Functions:

  • Conducts security walks and head counts which involves standing, stair climbing, and walking for long periods of time.
  • Performs facility and inmate cell searches which involve stooping, kneeling, crouching, lying down and crawling under bunks, lifting and climbing to reach all areas of the cell and facility including climbing ladders/stairs to reach overhead sky lights, attic crawl spaces, rooftops, etc.
  • Performs searches of inmates and visitors which includes touching and feeling clothing to detect weapons and contraband; also includes the ability to squat, stoop, stretch, bend to floor level to search pant legs, socks, and shoes.
  • Performs frisk and strip searches of inmates which includes visually observing unclothed inmates to detect weapons and contraband.
  • Conducts continual visual surveillance of inmates and various areas of detention facilities which involves prolonged sitting, twisting, and bending to view various monitors.
  • Provides inmate services such as recreation (spending several hours exposed to outdoor elements), serving meals, visitation, and clothing exchanges which involves lifting food trays, beverage containers, canteen bags, and bundles of laundry weighing up to 80 lbs. and requires bending, stooping, and kneeling.
  • Quickly selects and correctly operates appropriate buttons, touch screen control monitors, switches, and knobs used to control doors, sliders, and communication systems while maintaining emotional control under extreme stress.
  • Pursues fleeing inmates on foot which involves running, climbing, jumping, bending, stooping, and crawling over a prolonged distance.
  • Monitors and controls all activities regarding inmate movement which could include escorting/walking inmates for long distances to various locations within or outside of the jail facility.
  • Uses body force, ranging from mild to extreme, to gain entrance through barriers to gain entrance through barriers to seize or rescue inmates.
  • Subdues or restrains resisting inmates using hands and feet while employing defensive tactics or approved non-lethal weapons which may include kneeling, bending, or stooping as well as lifting the inmate following restraint.
  • Responds quickly to emergency situations that may include physically restraining combative inmates, lifting and carrying inmates during a medical crisis; escorting inmates up and down stairs to evacuate areas while wearing emergency equipment; or putting on air pack for a fire emergency to enter smoke-filled areas appropriately by stooping or crawling, select and open fire extinguishers/hoses and physically removing inmates from danger, which may include dragging unconscious victims (averaging 180 pounds).
  • Performs basic first aid procedures and cardiopulmonary resuscitation which involves kneeling and bending.
  • Gathers information for investigations by interviewing and obtaining the statements of the victims, witnesses, suspects, and confidential informants.
  • Appropriately utilizes technology to prepare electronic Operations Journal Entries (log book), or when necessary hand write information to produce legible reports, using standard grammar, punctuation, symbols, and simple mathematical functions.
  • Inspect and inventories security equipment through testing which includes pressing buttons, turning switches, and lifting/turning equipment.
  • Operates telephones, electronic equipment, fingerprint equipment, ADP time recorders/clocks, cameras, video recording devices, scanners, copiers, and fax machines which involve turning electronic knobs and typing for computer/data entry.
  • Communicates effectively over radio channels while initiating and responding to radio communications, often under adverse conditions.
  • Communicates verbally and effectively, in areas with the potential of high noise levels, by listening and providing information, direction and commands to inmates and/or the general public to manage interpersonal conflict and maintain order.
  • Exercises independent judgment within legal guidelines which involves reading and comprehending rules, regulations, policies and procedures for purpose of insuring appropriate officer behavior/response involving the general public.
  • Subdues resisting inmates using approved non-lethal weapons, i.e., pepper spray (chemical discharge containing Oleo resin capsicum), and conducted electrical weapon (short duration exposure containing 50,000 volts and up to .004 amps).
  • Manually unlocks and opens 8′ X 12′ metal gates to allow vehicles to enter the jail grounds.
  • Ability to work any shift due to detention facilities operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with regular days off generally being any two consecutive days during the week.
  • Performs perimeter checks in a vehicle and/or on foot.
  • Provides courtroom security and document judicial information, i.e. bond information, sentence, and release information.
  • Inventories inmate belongings such as clothing and personal property for transport to other facilities which involves standing for long periods of time, lifting, and climbing a ladder while carrying semi-heavy bags of clothing.
  • Ensures legal documentation pertinent to an arrest/release is complete and provided to the appropriate departments/divisions/units, i.e. court, court desk, facility which involves proofreading, standing for long periods of time and communication with outside agencies including police and probation departments.
  • Uses a computerized cash accounting system to maintain an accurate account of inmates’ funds; may be required to open or close an account which involves sitting for extended periods of time and having the ability to use the computer and other electronic equipment.
  • Be present at work site to perform assigned tasks at the times and dates scheduled/assigned by the supervisor.

Requirements:

  • High school diploma or GED, or are expected to graduate/receive GED within the next 90 days.
  • Must be eighteen (18) years of age.
  • Must be a U.S. Citizen or be eligible to work in the U.S.
  • Applicants must possess, or have the ability to obtain by the time of hire, a valid Arizona driver’s license.
  • Prior to hiring, the Sheriff’s Office requires that all applicants complete the following: background investigation; polygraph exam; medical exam with attestation of physical readiness and psychological exam.
  • Training to be provided on-the-job: FEMA NIMS – IS100 AND 700, safety, payroll and PREA.

Preferred Requirements:

  • Three (3) years of work experience, prior law enforcement experience, and/or prior military experience preferred.
  • Currently possess, or have the ability to obtain, a commercial driver’s license and/or weapons certification equivalent to standards set by Arizona Peace Officer Standards and Training (AZPOST).