Detention Security Officer chez Leon County Sheriff's Office, FL

About the Department

The Detention Security Officer is a non-sworn, full-time position that serves as the primary contact at the detention facility’s main entry checkpoint and other entrances. This role is responsible for ensuring the secure, efficient, and professional screening of all individuals and materials entering or exiting the facility. The position is essential to maintaining the safety and integrity of the detention environment by controlling access, identifying potential threats, and enforcing facility protocols. The position adheres to the agency core values of honesty and integrity, accountability, teamwork, trust and respect and commitment to excellence.

Position Duties

• Monitor, screen, and verify the entry of staff, visitors, contractors, and detainees using identification, access passes, and credentials.

• Conduct searches of individuals, bags, and belongings for contraband, weapons, or unauthorized items, pursuant to Florida Statute and LCSO Policy and Procedure.

• Continuously observe entry areas through direct visual supervision to detect and escalate suspicious behaviors or incidents.

• Perform routine perimeter checks and inspect entry points for integrity, potential breaches, or hazards.

• Enforce facility access policies and prevent unauthorized entry.

• Respond promptly to alarms, breaches, or security incidents and initiating emergency protocols.

• Coordinate with local law enforcement, detention staff, or internal response teams as needed.

• Maintain clear communication with supervisors and internal investigation teams regarding access issues or security concerns.

• Prepare and submit daily shift reports, logs, and incident documentation.

• Provide interdepartmental support during peak periods, emergency evacuations, or special events.

• Project a professional and courteous presence at the entrance, offering accurate information and directions to visitors and staff.

• Participate in required training, including facility-specific protocols, emergency procedures, and access-control systems.

• Maintain compliance with detention facility regulations, confidentiality, and safety standards.

• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Sheriff or as necessitated by circumstances.

• Ability to act effectively in diverse and challenging interpersonal situations.

• Ability to analyze problems quickly and take appropriate action under stress.

• Ability to handle situations with courtesy, tact, and respect for the rights of others.

• Strong memory for names, faces, incidents, and environmental details.

• Ability to perform independently without direct supervision, exercising discretion, caution, and self-control under adverse conditions.

• Ability to maintain mental alertness necessary to observe activities and respond appropriately.

• Ability to work effectively as part of a team to ensure compliance with policies and procedures.

• Ability to prepare and deliver clear, concise, and objective written and oral reports.

• Proficiency in conducting thorough searches of all individuals entering the facility through the single point of entry, regardless of rank or position, in compliance with detention facility security procedures.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.

• Must maintain a valid driver’s license.

• Post-secondary coursework in criminal justice, security, or a related field OR prior experience in access control, security, law enforcement, or detention settings preferred.

Other Qualifications

PHYSICAL ATTRIBUTES REQUIREMENTS 

Mobility-Frequent standing for extended periods of time (8-12 hours), stooping, bending and climbing stairs.

Lifting- Moderate ability to lift, bend, or manipulate screening equipment and occasional loads up to 25 lbs.

Dexterity-Frequent repetitive motion and reaching.