Detention Officer

JOB SUMMARY: Responsible for providing security in the detention of inmates within the Pulaski County Regional Detention Facility ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local statutes, ordinances, and regulations.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Conducts daily inspection and maintenance of housing units and facilities to ensure proper security.
• Performs security and direct supervision duties within inmate housing units to maintain custody and control the activities of inmates; remains constantly alert for prisoner disruptions such as escape planning, fighting, thefts, suicide attempts, and other prohibited activity.
• Maintains a complete and accurate count of all inmates and their locations within the facility; conducts an updated count of inmates and unit checks periodically throughout shift.
• Orients inmates to housing units ensuring all inmates understand facility rules.
• Maintains schedules for inmates allowing exercise times, meals, showering, class attendance, medical visits, unit cleaning, laundry exchange, mail delivery, and visitation at appropriate times; documents inmates’ activities and movements within the facility.
• Conducts surveillance, unit searches, and shakedowns to locate and confiscate any fabricated weapons and contraband; inspects and inventories all cleaning products, tools, equipment, bedding, clothing, and medical equipment.
• Prepares written incident reports documenting rule violations, offenses, or unusual events; testifies at disciplinary hearings and in court as needed.
• Completes daily and weekly jail reports, inmate activity reports, incident reports, court lists, and correspondence with the courts; inputs information into the computer system.
• Responds to emergencies such as fights, hostage incidents, riots, and incidents involving aggressive and combative inmates; uses force in restraining inmates as needed.
• Provides security for medical staff during the distribution of medicine and physical examinations.
• Receives and searches incoming inmates; reviews admission forms for completeness and accuracy before booking inmates; completes paperwork for admittance and enters inmate information into computer; fingerprints and photographs inmates; transmits fingerprints to other law enforcement agencies.
• Performs required screenings, collection, and inventory of property; ensures inmates are showered, dressed in issued clothing, and given unit supplies and identification badges.
• Transports inmates to appropriate areas in the facility such as medical clinic, classes, library, and barbershop; maintains security at all times and ensures departmental rules and regulations are enforced.
• Monitors facility operation from within the central control room by the operation of technical equipment such as cameras, door lock controls, etc.

SECONDARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Supervises inmates assisting with the preparation of food, removal of trash, cleaning the facility, and laundering uniforms, bedding, and towels.
• Supervises meal delivery and tray return; ensures inmates with special menus received correct tray; notes inmates refusing meals.
• Ensures the delivery of an appropriate number of meals and clothing, bedding, and towels to each inmate.
• Performs armed transport of inmates to and from courts, hospitals, Arkansas Department of Correction, and other law enforcement agencies and medical appointments; provides security for hospitalized inmates.
• Supervises the individuals assigned by the courts to the daywork program; assigns them to appropriate work crew; maintains activity records on all participants.
• Ensures inmates with required court appearances are scheduled for transport from Pulaski County Detention Facility or other detention centers to court at the appropriate time.
• Collects and delivers legal documents, bond money, arrest disposition reports, DNA test kits, warrants, court dockets, etc., for Circuit and District Courts, Sheriff’s Department, and other administrative offices.
• Ensures the preparation and distribution of paperwork for inmates committed to the Arkansas Department of Corrections or any regional punishment facility.
• Completes weekly reports reflecting the number of inmates transferred and awaiting transfer to the Arkansas Department of Corrections.
• May serve as a law enforcement instructor conducting jail minimum standards training classes for new recruits; develops curriculum, visual aids, and class material for additional classes; coordinates guest speakers as needed; assesses recruits’ progress through the instructional classes; must complete the required training and obtain a certification as a CLEST Instructor if placed on this assignment.
• Performs other related duties as required.

PERSONNEL SUPERVISED: None

WORKING CONDITIONS: Work is performed primarily within a controlled detention environment. Constant supervision and surveillance are necessary to avoid dangerous confrontations and ensure personal safety. Duties may involve occasional restraint of hostile or combative detainees. Transportation of inmates to other facilities is required. Work is performed on a variable shift basis. Overtime may be required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Completion of high school or GED equivalency; some experience working with law enforcement or corrections; or any equivalent combination of experience or training which provides the required skills, knowledge, and abilities.

• Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background check, motor vehicle report, child maltreatment check, adult maltreatment check, and psychological evaluation.
• In addition to the pre-employment checks, all employees who operate county vehicles are required to undergo an annual motor vehicle report.
• Must be 21 years of age at the time of hire.
• Must possess or be able to immediately obtain a valid Arkansas Driver's License.
• This position is safety sensitive and is subject to random drug and alcohol testing.
• Regular and reliable attendance is an essential function of this position.
• No Felony Convictions.
• Must obtain Arkansas Jail Minimum Standards within one year of hire.
• Must immediately obtain and maintain CPR certification.
• Must be a US citizen and be able to provide proof when requested by the Sheriff's Department.

ACCESSIBILITY NOTICE: If you are an individual with disabilities who needs accommodation or you are having difficulty using our website to apply for employment, please contact humanresources@pulaskicounty.net or call (501) 340-6110.