Detention Officer Trainee

$7,500.00

SIGN-ON BONUS Join Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office Detention Officer Job Description:

Detention Officers of the Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office are responsible for the direct supervision of those persons in custody at the Mecklenburg County Detention Center. Specific duties include visually monitoring and supervising of persons in custody, monitoring visitations, maintaining computerized log entries in the Offender Management System, ensuring the safety and security of the detention facility, and preparing reports as necessary. Selected candidates are required to pass a reading comprehension test, physical examination, psychological evaluation, and an in-depth background investigation. Successful candidates for Detention Officer positions must be of good moral character and must not have a criminal history that would prevent them from being able to obtain and maintain Detention Officer certification from the North Carolina Sheriff's Education and Training Standards Commission. Detention Officer candidates must also adhere to the standards set by Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office. Employment is contingent on the successful completion of the mandated 10-week training to include classroom instructions and daily physical activities (running, push-ups, sit-ups, heavy lifting, etc.…). Entry level Detention Officers are primarily assigned to the Mecklenburg County Detention Center - Central, but MCSO management reserves the right to assign personnel anywhere in the organization based on legitimate business needs.

Work Schedule and Hours:

Detention Officers depending on assignment will work a 12 hour schedule which translates to seven 12 hour shifts in a (14) day pay period totaling approximately 86 hours. Detention Officers assigned to permanent night shift will have an opportunity to work towards seniority which allows them to be assigned to a permanent day shift position (6:40 AM - 7:00 PM). Night shift personnel (6:40 PM - 7:00 AM) are paid a shift premium that equates to an additional $2.00 per hour for their regularly scheduled shift assignment.

Starting Salary:

$63,336. (80-hour pay period) $68,086. (86-hour pay period)

Minimum Qualifications:

• Candidate must have a High School Diploma, or G.E.D. equivalence.
• Candidate must possess a valid driver's license and clean driving history.
• Candidate must be able to pass a drug screening and complete medical examination by a licensed physician, including psychological testing and evaluation.
• Candidate must be 20 years of age prior to hire date.
• Candidate must be a U.S. citizen or Naturalization Certification, if applicable.
• Candidate must have a clean criminal record to include no felony convictions.
• Candidate must not have had a DWI conviction within the past five years and no more than two in a lifetime.
• Candidate must have Honorable Military Discharge, if applicable.

Disclaimer Statement:

This is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of job-related responsibilities, duties, skills, requirements or working conditions. Other duties may be assigned based on business need and the supervisor's request. Mecklenburg County reserves the right to revise the job description at any time. Designated positions may be required to assist in emergency and/or disaster situations. Partners Centralina Council of Governments Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools MEDIC Sheriff's Office State of North Carolina Cities & Towns Charlotte Cornelius Davidson Huntersville Mint Hill Matthews Pineville Services ADA Compliance Service Requests Pay Taxes Water Bills Property Information Voting & Elections More... Connect Community Relations Public Records Requests Mecklenburg County Blog Notify Me Departments A-Z ©2026 Mecklenburg County Government | Privacy Policy and Legal Notices | Employee Access | Human Resources