Detention Officer
Detention Officer
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Job Description
Description
- Written Examination - July 10 2025
This position is responsible for supervising inmates at the city jail. Major Duties
- Makes rounds of the jail to maintain security; checks locks fences alarms and other security devices; monitors inmates for contraband and security violations.
- Receives and releases inmates being transferred to and from the facility; completes all required paperwork; books and classifies inmates; inventories inmate property.
- Sets and collects bond payments.
- Searches inmates for contraband.
- Performs count procedures for inmate accountability.
- Operates jail control room; monitors security cameras; locks and unlocks doors.
- Prepares required logs and reports.
- Serves inmate meals and administers medications.
- Administers inmate discipline.
- Monitors facility for maintenance repair and security issues and reports same to supervisor.
- Oversees inmate visitations.
- Directs the work of inmate trustees as assigned; directs the custodial maintenance of the facility; maintains supply inventory and reorders as needed; coordinates trustee background checks.
- Performs related duties.
KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED BY THE POSITION
- Knowledge of inmate security principles.
- Knowledge of inmate supervision principles and practices.
- Knowledge of departmental and city policies and procedures and federal state and local laws and regulations.
- Knowledge of building security principles.
- Knowledge of tactical defense and restraint procedures.
- Skill in planning organization and decision making.
- Skill in maintaining records and preparing reports.
- Skill in oral and written communication.
- Skill in the use of specialized security and safety equipment.
SUPERVISORY CONTROLS
The Detention Sergeant assigns work in terms of general instructions. The supervisor spot-checks completed work for compliance with procedures accuracy and the nature and propriety of the results.
GUIDELINES
Guidelines include federal and state laws and city and department policies and procedures. These guidelines are generally clear and specific but may require some interpretation in application.
COMPLEXITY/SCOPE OF WORK
- The work consists of related duties in the provision of inmate security. The unique needs associated with each inmate contribute to the complexity of the position.
- The purpose of this position is to ensure the safety and security of inmates personnel and visitors. Successful performance contributes to the safety and security of inmates employees and the public.
CONTACTS
- Contacts are typically with co-workers other city employees inmates and the public.
- Contacts are typically to give or exchange information resolve problems motivate persons and provide services.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ WORK ENVIRONMENT
- The work is typically performed while intermittently sitting standing stooping bending crouching or walking. The employee frequently lifts light and heavy objects climbs ladders uses tools or equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity distinguishes between shades of color and utilizes the sense of smell.
- The work is typically performed in a correctional facility and outdoors occasionally in cold or inclement weather. The employee is exposed to noise dirt grease machinery with moving parts contagious or infectious diseases or irritating chemicals. Work requires the use of specialized security and protective devices and equipment.
SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY
None.
Minimum Qualifications
- Graduation from a standard senior high school or GED equivalent as recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE) or Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
- Recent experience as a Public Safety Cadet or Intern with the Dothan Police Department preferred.
CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT/PROMOTION/DEMOTION/TRANSFER
The City of Dothans Police Department will administer a polygraph examination to anyone hired/promoted/transferred into the Police Department. The examination will be a question and answer test that covers areas of your background including but not limited to your employment application employment history and involvement in criminal activity such as thefts and domestic violence drug usage and participation in the distribution of illegal and legal prescription medications.
NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
- Possession of a valid operator drivers license and an acceptable driving record (PBA09/10/01).
- Applicant must be at least 18 years of age.
- An applicant for this position is subject to various background investigations up to and including a criminal credit past employment and reference checks.
- Employees are required to submit to Drug and Alcohol testing in accordance with the City of Dothan policy which includes pre-employment and random tests for the duration of employment in this position. (PBA 08/13/12).
- Must meet the City of Dothan employment physical standards which includes drug/alcohol testing.
Application / Examination
Qualified applicants will be evaluated based on training and experience as documented on their application. This evaluation will comprise 50% of the final grade. The written exam will comprise the other 50% of the final grade.
The written examination for the position of Detention Officer is scheduled for July 10 2025
Candidates meeting the minimum qualifications will receive an email notification to self-schedule for the written exam. You MUSTself-schedule online or you will not be allowed to take the test.
The content areas of the written examination for the position of Detention Officer includes the following:
Memory and Understanding Oral/Written Information
Reading Comprehension
Mathematical Ability
Written CommunicationYou will be allowed 2 hours and 15 minutes for completion of the examination. Once the examination begins you will not be allowed to leave the room until you have completed the examination.
NOTE: An applicant on vacation is responsible for attending the examination on the date scheduled. An applicant falling under federally protected leave (i.e. FMLA USERRA) is responsible for notifying the Personnel Department in writing no later than the closing date by emailing
Please advise us at the time of application if you will need assistance and/or accommodation to take this examination by emailing .
An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer
Required Experience:
Unclear Seniority
Employment Type
Full-Time
