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FC
Forsyth County (NC)
Detention Officer Pool - 2026
Entry-Level JobVerifiedNo experience needed
Career Insights for Correctional / Detention Officer
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Scorecard
Based on North Carolina data
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What they do
A Correctional Officer, Detention Officer, or Jailer supervises people being held in correctional facilities, including those awaiting trial, in detention, and inmates who are serving sentences. Maintains order and security within a jail or prison, conducts inspections and searches, enforces regulations, and supervises activities and visits.
$60,017 / year median in North Carolina
+2% projected growth
Job Description
Detention Officers work a fixed, day or night, 12.25 hour shift with every other 3-day weekend off. New hires are not guaranteed their shift preference and may be subject to Night Shift .
- Officers assigned to a permanent night shift receive a shift differential of $3.00 per hour or approximately $6,700.00 per year.
- Qualified candidates have the potential to make up to approximately $63,000.00 a year with the following pay incentives (not to exceed a combined total of 15%):
- Relevant certified experience: 1% per year up to max of 15%
Prior Active-Duty Military Service:
1% per year up to max of 15%Associate's Degree:
5% increase ($2,475)- Bachelor's Degree or above: 10% increase ($4,952)
START YOUR REWARDING CAREER IN LAW ENFORCEMENT AND APPLY TODAY!
! Performs specialized inmate detention and care work in the Law Enforcement Detention Center. Incumbents of this classification are not entitled to special law enforcement benefits. An employee in this class performs inmate intake, detention, care and release work in accordance with established policies and procedures. Work includes the observation and accompaniment of inmates inside the cell and County Detention Center and related care and record keeping requirements. Tactfulness and firmness are required . The employee is subject to a hazardous and confining working environment. Work is performed under general supervision and is evaluated during formal discussion and by observation. An employee in this class will work a 12 hour permanent shift, day or night, to oversee operations in a secured facility which is open 24/7. Every Justice Officer employed or certified through the North Carolina Sheriff's Education and Training Standards Commission shall:- 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. Additional Hiring Requirements
- Must possess a valid drivers license
- Successfully complete and pass a comprehensive background investigation
- Successfully complete a walk along and a panel interview
- Successfully complete a psychological/medical examination
- Must pass reading and physical exam Receives inmates by conducting search, completing required intake forms, securing all personal property, and dressing out inmates in detention attire.