Detention Officer at Grant County

About the Department

Under the direction of the Detention Center Administration, the Detention Officer is expected to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of the detainees and the continuous safety and secure operations of the facility. Successful candidates will be required to serve a one (1) year probationary period. 

Position Duties

• Officer is responsible for enforcement of rules & regulations in detention facility, preventing escapes & riots, maintaining order & discipline among inmates, and escorting inmates to and from cells and work assignments.
• Responsible for operating and inspecting various security devices, reporting violations of rules & keeping count of inmates as assigned.
• Duties include controlling inmates from work stations or by patrolling cell blocks, corridors, and work areas; inspecting all areas of the facility for unauthorized objects; checking sanitary conditions and fire and safety hazards; enforcing rules of conduct, security and labor standards by making written and verbal reports of significant violations or irregularities to supervisors.
• Officer must assist in the supervision of inmates being transferred to other facilities or appearing in court; distributing cleaning and sanitation supplies as well as pick-up and delivery of personal laundry and bedding; delivering mail and distributing medication as needed within policy guidelines.

• Plan and perform a wide range of detention duties to ensure the proper booking and incarceration and safety of persons committed to the facility.
• Aware that the position of Detention Officer may be involved in life-threatening situations.
• Process incoming inmates by completing booking sheets, pat and strip search, personal history, medical screening, and other essential data to proper care and incarceration of the inmates. 
• Perform fingerprinting and photographing of inmates.
• Inspect pod and jail cells to ensure cleanliness and orderliness. Record any pertinent conditions during periodic patrols of pods and cells. 
• See that new inmates receive baths and clothing and respond to additional personal needs in accordance with policies. 
• Periodically works in the control room to keep a constant watch on all sections of the Detention Center via TV cameras. Control all doors and entrances. Forward telephone calls to the appropriate parties. In the event of an emergency, contact appropriate personnel. 
• May transport inmates to court and other appearances. Serves as escort for visiting lawyers and others. Escorts detainees to various sections of the detention center, including the kitchen or recreation room. 
• Coordinate and cooperate with other law enforcement agencies and judiciary agencies as necessary. 
• Assist in processing various bills and documents and assist in bonding. Records all monies and personal items for storage.
• Obtain required signatures from inmates for personal and accountable items.
• Deal with verbal and physical abuse from inmates. 
• Search inmates and their cells or pods and restrain inmates when necessary.
• Perform all duties with minimal supervision.
• May be required to transport inmates to other facilities.
• Must comply with County Personnel Policy, Detention Center Standard Operating Procedures, and other Policies as approved by the Board of Commission 
• Employee must operate electric cell doors; control visitation of relatives, attorneys, and others.
• Employee is expected to be familiar with federal, state, county, and departmental laws and policies pertinent to the position, departmental directives, detention officer’s report manual, techniques and precautionary measures to be used in escort and supervision of inmates, and typical behavior pattern of inmates; skill in the use of camera and fingerprinting.

• The officer is expected to know and understand County Personnel Policies and perform any related work as required. Employees must be aware that the position may involve life-threatening situations and act accordingly. Specific duties of adult detention officers are listed in the detention office's standard operating procedures.  
• Must be required to drive a county-owned vehicle in a manner that complies with all State EVOC guidelines and Grant County Vehicle and Accident Policies.
• May be required to complete a Field Training Officers training course.
• Perform other duties as assigned. 
• Applicant must disclose real or perceived conflicts of interest and must abide by the Governmental Conduct Act.

• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma or G.E.D.   
• Must be 18 years of age.
• Pass a Defensive Tactics course within one year of hire.
• Understand and apply the appropriate use of force as well as, learn and use restraint techniques.
• Must have no felony convictions or misdemeanors involving moral turpitude.
• Possess a valid New Mexico driver’s license. 
• Must have no DWI convictions within the past five (5) years.
• Able to communicate in English both verbally and in writing.
• Pass CPR and First Aid within one (1) year of hire. 
• Handle stress and respond appropriately to stressful situations.
• Possess good organizational skills
• Possess good communication and interpersonal abilities

Other Qualifications

• Successful completion of required training, including but not limited to Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), and Defensive Driving within one year from the date of hire. 
• Adhere to the dress code, the uniform is neat and clean.
• Report to work on time and as scheduled. 
• Represent the County in a positive and professional manner at all times, including the use of tact when working with a wide range of individuals, including the public, often under tense circumstances.
• Comply with all County policies and procedures, and standards regarding ethical business practices in accordance with the Governmental Conduct Act.