Posting Date

Application Deadline

Pay Range

Job Type

Department

About the Position

ADMINISTRATIVE AND PROMOTIONAL PROCESS INFORMATION

The information below is a description of the 2026 Detention Deputy Sergeant promotional process. Below the administrative information is the job description for Detention Deputy Sergeant.

DATES AND LOCATIONS

The dates and locations in the promotional process are subject to change based on several factors. If changes are required candidates will be notified via email as the process continues.

INTEGRITY STATEMENT

THE PROMOTIONAL EVALUATION PROCESS IS SUBJECT TO SECURITY PRECAUTIONS TO PRESERVE THE INTEGRITY OF THE PROMOTIONAL EXAM PROCESS; THEREFORE CANDIDATES ARE NOT TO DISCUSS THE WRITTEN EXAM THE PRACTICAL EXERCISES THE ORAL BOARD INTERVIEW OR THEIR ANSWERS WITH ANYONE.

RECRUITMENT POSTING AND CLOSING DATE

The job posting closes 12:00:01 am (00:00:01 hours) on May 11th. Applications must be successfully submitted electronically by 11:59 p.m. (23:59 hours) on May 10th in order to be considered.

For assistance with completing the online application (before the recruitment closing date) or if you have questions regarding the general promotional process you may contact Adam Katz at

Notices for all examination components will be sent to the email address provided in your initial application. Please ensure that ALL your CONTACT INFORMATION in your application is current/correct including your email address and phone number(s). Be sure to monitor your email account regularly.

PROMOTIONAL SELECTION PROCEDURE

Candidates selected will be assessed based on the posted qualifications in the job description and an evaluation detailed further below. The hiring authority will select successful candidates from a list published by the MCSO Pre-Employment Division.

• To be eligible to participate interested applicants Employee Performance Appraisals (EPAs) must be rated as meeting minimum requirements or higher for the employees last two years of service.
• To be eligible to participate interested applicants must meet minimum position qualifications on the job description below by the closing date of the recruitment.

The promotional process for Detention Deputy Sergeant includes a Written Exam two Practical Exercises and an Oral Board interview.

The top 60 candidates on the written assessment will be forwarded to complete the practical exercises and oral board the event of a tie at the 60th candidate cutoff all candidates with the same written score will be referred to participate in the Practical Exercises and Oral board.

SCORING AND PLACEMENT ON THE PROMOTIONAL REGISTER.

The Written Exam will be weighted at 33% the Practical Exercises will be weighted at 34% and the Oral board will be weighted at 33% of the candidates overall score.

WRITTEN EXAM

The Written Exams for Detention Deputy Sergeant will be conducted from May 19th to May 21st at the MCSO Training will receive an email notification after the recruitment closing date to sign up for an available testing date.

PRACTICAL EXERCISES AND ORAL BOARD

The Practical Exercises and Oral Board for Detention Deputy Sergeant is tentatively scheduled to take place June 1 2026 through June 19 2026 at the MCSO Headquarters. Candidates will receive an email notification to self-schedule for a date and time to participate in the Practical Exercises and Oral Board process.

Detention Deputy Sergeant Job Description

Under general supervision the Detention Sergeant performs work of considerable difficulty supervising a unit or shift of Detention Deputies to ensure the control custody and care of inmates. The Detention Sergeant establishes and maintains positive and motivational direction to staff and inmates under their supervision or care.

Position Qualifications

We recognize your time is valuable so please apply if you meet the following required qualifications:

Education

• High school diploma or GED

Experience

• Four (4) years of service as a Detention Deputy with the Maricopa County Sheriffs Office.
• Must currently be serving in the classification of Detention Deputy.

Other requirements

• Must possess a valid Arizona drivers license
• Training to be provided on-the-job: FEMA NIMS IS100 and 700; Safety; Payroll; PREA.
• Prior to hiring the Sheriffs Office requires that all applicants complete the following: background investigation polygraph exam medical exam with attestation of physical readiness and psychological exam.

Random drug screenings will be administered throughout employment with the Sheriffs Office for Detention Sergeants who have a CDL.

Our Preferred Candidate has

• Successfully completed a criminal justice report writing training or coursework from an accredited college or sponsored by AZPOST or equivalent.
• Possess a commercial drivers license
• Possess weapons certification equivalent to standards set by Arizona Peace Officer Standards and Training (AZPOST).

Essential Job Tasks

(This is not an all-inclusive list of all job duties that may be required; employees will be required to perform other related duties as assigned.)

Employee supervision management and facilities management

Performs duties and responsibilities associated with motivating and monitoring subordinates job performance to ensure compliance with MCSOs policies; prioritizes directs plans and schedules daily activities of subordinates by assigning them effectively to ensure sufficient resources are available to cover all required assignments within the facility; provides direction and manages performance through continual interactions with staff during shift; oversees and ensures the functions associated with the day-to-day operations of assigned duties within Sheriffs Office facilities which includes the accurate and timely completion of required logs forms and reports to be submitted in compliance with MCSOs policies and procedures; oversees the condition maintenance and operational readiness of MCSOs equipment and facilities; helps facilitate and coordinate all necessary training information and policy objectives for subordinates as required by MCSOs policies and procedures.

Inmate management transportation control/care

Supervises inmates in a detention environment through facilitating and controlling inmate movement within the facility; provides oversight of decisions on inmate and housing unit activities; establishes positive supervisory relationships and maintains familiarity with inmates under supervision;; maintains a safe and secure environment by conducting inmate cell facility and visitor searches to include visual inspection frisks strip searches and thorough searches of facilities and equipment for weapons and contraband; monitors and controls inmate movement and activities by escorting inmate(s) to various locations within and outside the facility to include court appearances doctors appointments and hospital visits; conducts periodic checks/inspections of inmates cells equipment fixtures and facilities for safety and functionality;motivates inmates to be in compliance with rules and behavioral expectations; maintains order and holds inmates accountable for their actions in a consistent and judicious manner; identifies and addresses issues in the early stages and manages interpersonal conflict; engages inmates in constructive activities and serves as a positive role model; exercises sound independent judgment and demeanor at all times.

Emergency response

Responds quickly to emergency situations within the facility to include physical altercations between inmates and between inmates and staff medical emergencies fire and natural disasters to ensure the health and safety of all occupants in the facility; physically controls and restrains inmates through a variety of methods tactics and less lethal tools; quickly assesses selects and operates controls buttons screens monitors and communication devices under extremely stressful conditions and performs all the aforementioned tasks while wearing an air pack or other breathing device; performs basic rescue and first aid procedures cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and properly uses an Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) consistent with training and certification.

Administration

Interacts with inmates and staff by effectively communicating verbally and in writing to direct respond to requests and concerns ascertain information document incidents requirements needs and conditions within the facility; ensures staff and inmates understand facility rules and behavioral expectations; operates electronic and other equipment (e.g. telephones portable radios desktop and mobile computers cameras automatic fingerprint equipment scanners): independently gathers information through a variety of methods in order to document information and actions; utilizes technology to access information and records; documents in logs journal entries and reports as required by policy.

Intake and release work release visitation court services

Oversees the inmate intake release work release and visitation processes; inventories personal property money and clothing; returns personal property and clothing; ensures all essential functions related to booking in and releasing incarcerated persons in a variety of custody statuses are accurate and verified.

Career and professional development

Performs duties commensurate with the level of training knowledge and experience required of position; maintains current training and undergoes additional training as dictated by policy assignment environment and personal development both internal and external to the Sheriffs Office.

Working Conditions

Maricopa County is an EEO/ADA Reasonable Accommodation Employer.

Job requires the ability to work any shift due to detention facilities operating 24 hours per day 7 days per week. Job requires ability to: perform sprints jumping and vaulting tasks; perform lifting carrying pushing and pulling; move quickly around objects and obstacles in pursuit situations; and pursue extract and use force in both short intense effort and sustained effort situations. Actual situations may require efforts beyond the following:

• Perform lifting and carrying that may include lifting heavy and awkward objects weighing 50 lbs. or more; carrying heavy and awkward equipment and objects 0 to 60 ft.; and carrying equipment weighing 20 to 50 lbs. up and down stairs.

• Perform dragging movements that may include extracting victims weighing up to 175 lbs. and dragging victims objects or suspects weighing up to 175 lbs. 20 to 30 ft.

• Perform pushing and pulling that may include pushing heavy objects or people weighing up to 200 lbs. 10 to 25 ft.; pulling heavy objects or people weighing up to 150 lbs. 10 to 25 ft.; and pulling self over 6 ft. obstacle.

• Perform range of motion activities that may include bending to reach for objects; bending and twisting in use of force situations; crouching during movement of 10 to 15 ft.; and climbing ladders and fire escapes. Use force that may include self-defense situations for45 to 60 seconds; control holds in self-defense situations for 30 to 60 seconds; strikes using hands elbows feet and knees; use of intermediate impact weapons; and forced entry by pushing and pulling.

• Perform foot pursuits that may include running sprints of 100 feet or more; running for sustained periods usually 300 feet but up to 5 minutes; running up and down stairs usually 2 flights but may be up to 4 flights; run over uneven terrain; and dodge around obstacles.

The following environments described are only representative of how the essential job tasks are currently performed or envisioned. As such in order to accommodate a disability or limitation the essential job tasks may be performed in ways other than described on these pages.

Work Environment:

• Indoors and outdoors confined areas
• Smoke dust fumes chemicals
• Dim or bright lighting
• High noise level
• May be exposed to contagious diseases

Physical Environment:

• Sitting standing walking for extended periods
• Driving a vehicle
• Speaking hearing reading seeing including distinguishing colors
• Wearing protective gear
• Precise dexterity

Social Environment:

• Emergencies traumatic subject matter
• Dangerous environment
• Handling multiple or complicated tasks frequently changing or unscheduled tasks
• Working under time pressures with constant interruptions
• High volume of work
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail
• Decision making
• Concentration/vigilance
• Working in close physical proximity with others
• Teamwork
• Isolation
• Public contact

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

Oral Communication: Ability to: speak clearly concisely and in an organized manner; verbally transmit accurate information and facts using the proper level of detail to ensure understanding by others; speak to different audiences including inmates who are mentally impaired medically ill hostile angry those who are internal and external to the jail (e.g. supervisors coworkers); use appropriate non-verbal gestures to support or enhance communication; listen effectively.

Written Communication: Ability to: write in a clear concise and organized manner; use the most suitable format for the material or information; write legibly; use correct spelling and proper grammar; write accurate information and facts.

Interpersonal Skills: Ability to: interact effectively with inmates coworkers and the public including attorneys visitors medical personnel and members of the judiciary; use positive reinforcement techniques; engage others in a constructive two-way conversation; demonstrate patience tact courtesy empathy and tolerance; establish and maintain effective work relationships; calm distraught people and de-escalate conflict.

Community Focus: Ability to: provide inmates visitors and other community members with clear explanations and directions show a genuine concern for the community and understand their needs requirements and constraints; respond to visitors and other community members inquiries and requests in a timely and complete manner; resolve issues at the lowest organizational level.

Coordinate Delegate and Plan Work: Ability to: define tasks to be completed; develop procedures to establish a course of action for oneself or others to accomplish tasks or improve work processes; guide plan schedule or monitor work activities; organize and prioritize activities to achieve established goals; follow through on tasks to ensure completion by self or others; delegate and follow up on delegated tasks to ensure the timely completion of assignments and quality of work products; use effective time management skills to handle multiple tasks at one time with numerous interruptions.

Supervise: Ability to: apply methods and techniques for providing feedback and explaining rules and regulations; communicate performance expectations to subordinates; assess subordinate performance relative to goals and objectives; recognize and evaluate training needs of subordinates; counsel coach and develop subordinates; discipline and commend fairly and effectively.

Leadership: Ability to: influence others to accomplish a desired objective; maintain good morale and motivate employees/teams; set a positive tone for employees/teams to achieve goals and objectives; demonstrate psychological and emotional maturity self-confidence and willingness to assume responsibility for subordinates/teams efforts and actions and consequences of those actions; serve as a mentor for others; demonstrate the willingness to make difficult decisions and take initiative when action is required; represent the Sheriffs Office in the best possible light demonstrating commitment to the Sheriffs Office through actions and words.

Analytical Skills: Ability to: apply deductive and inductive reasoning to information and facts about situations to reach logical conclusions from the reasoning process; determine the relevance of each item of information; identify primary and contributory causes of problems and identify patterns of events or characteristics that may indicate criminal activity; evaluate and choose between conflicting alternatives based on partial or incomplete information; generate or recognize imaginative and novel solutions in work-related situations.

Use Computers and Software: Ability to: operate computer equipment conduct research on the Internet generate email correspondence; manage emergency incidents; use software programs to complete paperwork and reports and perform other administrative tasks in a timely manner.

Function Under Stress: Ability to: maintain composure in difficult or stressful situations such as those that require emergency action; make security-related decisions promptly; use sound judgment in stressful situations by either taking or refraining from action (e.g. showing restraint); remain calm during emergencies.

Flexibility/Adaptability: Ability to: adjust to changing circumstances; remain flexible when scheduling conflicts occur; take on other roles when short-staffed; adapt or change priorities as the situation requires; be flexible when warranted and firm when necessary; adjust and alter ones decisions when warranted.

Work Ethic and Integrity: Ability and willingness to: work hard and conscientiously regardless of assignment; be committed to MCSOs mission; represent information truthfully and be trustworthy in the performance of duties; take actions and make decisions through the thoughtful consideration and discretion that serves the best interests of the assigned facility inmates and the criminal justice system as a whole; act consistently and fairly with regard to professional standards according to MCSOs rules of conduct; act in an ethical manner.

Command Presence: Ability to: carry oneself with authority and confidence; take and remain in command of emergency and non-emergency situations; lead and direct others in situations that require authority; take necessary actions when in command.

Negotiate with and Persuade Others: Ability to: persuade others; negotiate to find mutually acceptable solutions; use positive motivation techniques; consider alternatives and mediate compromises for disputing parties.

Administrative Policies and Procedures: Knowledge of: administrative paperwork and personnel policies and procedures that exist in the Sheriffs Office including County and facility policies and procedures; County Administrative and Personnel Regulations and Federal law (e.g. FLSA) and the ability to apply them to situations. Ability to: reference understand follow and implement the appropriate procedures including report writing form completion and record keeping/documentation; relay information appropriately along the Chain of Command; interpret policies directives and court orders; apply and reference knowledge of procedures policies and directives pertaining to completing reports and mandates.

Operational Policies and Procedures: Knowledge of: operational policies and procedures that exist in each facility/division the Sheriffs Office and the County regarding non-emergency and emergency situations; library and veteran inmate population; use of force authorized weapons equipment and techniques; video e-mail and in-person visitation policy and procedures inmate rules and regulations handbook grievance procedures forms policy and post orders regular transportation processes all assigned equipment different divisions within assigned building and emergency evacuation procedures; operational manual; procedures for responding to inmate and facility emergencies. Ability to: find and obtain any unknown policy or procedure for unusual situations that may arise; clearly understand operational manual; reference with ease understand follow and implement the appropriate procedures pertaining to inmate security and care.

Applicable Laws: Knowledge of: the Arizona Revised Statute Municipal Code/County Ordinance and Federal law that applies to various situations including the definitions and elements of various crimes conditions and authorities; key laws (e.g. PREA HIPAA LEP Graves v. Arpaio) that apply to inmate care.

Inmate Classifications: Knowledge of: closed custody I II and III maximum general population medium general population minimum general population administrative restrictive (all levels) sentenced working inmates work release seriously mentally ill inmates medical/infirmary and other classifications; the rules that apply to each.

Personnel Requirements for Detention Deputies: Knowledge of: Maricopa County HR policies Employee Merit policies MCSOs Critical Policies MCSOs Detention policies and procedures (D-policies) and General policies and procedures (G-policies); minimum performance standards for detention deputies sergeants lieutenants and all civilian equivalents within individual assigned areas.

Selection Procedure - Maricopa County

The Maricopa County Human Resources Department reserves the right to admit to the selection process only those candidates considered to be the most highly qualified. Those selected will be assessed based on the evaluation of listed education and experience. The hiring authority will interview and select the successful candidate from a list provided by Human Resources.

All offers of employment made to new hires and rehires at Maricopa County are contingent upon successful completion of a post-offer pre-employment thorough background investigation. A background investigation is conducted on a current employee who changes to a Safety Sensitive Position or one having the potential for serious adverse impact on the integrity or efficiency of the County. These requirements do not pertain to employees of elected officials who undergo background investigation processes administered through their respective offices.

Maricopa County is an EEO/ADA Reasonable Accommodation Employer.

Apply Now!

Attention Current Maricopa County Employees: As of 1/1/2022 the Judicial Branch of Arizona in Maricopa County formalized itself as a separate entity and employer from Maricopa County. To learn more about how that may affect you please clickhere.

Judicial Branch Human Resources reserves the right to move forward candidates based on the information provided directly on the application. The hiring authority will select the successful candidate based on departmental needs.

Typically successful candidates are hired at a salary rate up to the midpoint of the range based on applicable experience internal equity and budgetary allowances.

All Judicial Branch offers of employment and continued employment are contingent upon passing a thorough background and/or fingerprint check. Applicants must completely and fully answer any questions regarding felony and misdemeanor convictions including any convictions that have been expunged or set aside. Failure to include criminal history information is grounds for termination of an offer and employment. A conviction may not automatically disqualify an applicant.

Judicial Branch facilities are located throughout Maricopa County. This position may be reassigned to other locations. Assignments will be made based upon the needs of the department.

The Judicial Branch in Maricopa County is an EEO/ADA Reasonable Accommodation Employer.

Apply Now!