Detention Officer

The purpose of this position is to provide detention, intake, custodial care and release of arrested inmates, dissemination of information and assistance to the public, department and law enforcement agencies. Ensure the safety, security, and accountability of arrested inmates, detention officers, and the jail itself.

Provides detention, intake, custodial care, and release of arrested inmates including providing supervision and control of inmates during booking, preliminary holdover, confinement, arraignment, visitation, release and all other aspects of the jail system; assuring inmates safety and security prior to processing into a housing unit or releasing on bond; performs general jail maintenance, cleaning, and sanitation; and submits maintenance requests for repairs. Gives information and assistance to the public including receiving and processing payments for bonds, fines, attorney and Dallas County Bonds, receiving cash and credit card payments; completing daily cash/credit payment log; communicating with the general public by answering questions and addressing and resolving issues regarding payments and procedures for posting bond for inmates; informing attorneys and arrested inmates of their future court dates and times. Administrative duties, including preparing documents, performing limited support duties as assigned, and using jail records management software to process inmates; typing magistrates warning; entering in information obtained from the arrest report and arrested inmate into the prisoner control record, medical questionnaire, and prisoner property/admission control section of the booking process; processing and distributing correspondence, documents, and materials to appropriate agencies; and ensuring all paperwork is signed and understood fully by the arrested inmate. Answers telephones, assists the public with information, photocopying and faxing necessary documents to other agencies, identifies inmates through the FBI/DPS and the Texas Drivers License Image Retrieval System, utilizes the TLETS and Omnixx programsWork requires knowledge necessary to understand basic operational, technical, or office processes. Level of knowledge equivalent to four years of high school or equivalency. Work requires regular interaction involving exchange and receipt of information. This position normally performs the duty assignment after receiving detailed instructions as to methods, procedures, and desired end results with little room for deviation. The immediate supervisor may, at times, provide close and constant review. Work requires the use of standard technical skills appropriate to the work environment of the organization. Intermediate ability to read papers, periodicals, journals, manuals, dictionaries, thesauruses, and encyclopedias. Ability to perform the four basic arithmetic operations. Intermediate ability to write reports, prepare business letters, expositions, and summaries with proper format, punctuation, spelling, and grammar, using all parts of speech. Knowledge of modern detention facility practices and procedures; good knowledge of local, state, and federal laws as related to incarceration of persons. Ability to proficiently physically restrain and handcuff a resisting person. Must be capable and willing to physically remove an inmate from a jail cell for the purpose of life safety or to ensure the security of the detention facility. Work requires searching of prisoners for contraband and to account for property inventory of personal property belonging to the inmate. Work requires the ability to sit or stand for long periods of time. Special Requirements This position is classified as a safety-sensitive position and is subject to random drug and alcohol testing during the course of employment. CJIS fingerprint check is required. Licenses and Certificates Valid driver's license with good driving record and ability to maintain while employed. Intox certification must be successfully completed within first two attempts. Jailer School and Detention Officer training must be successfully completed. Work Environment Work is usually performed indoors in a climate controlled detention facility. Occasional exposure to hazardous conditions, materials and infectious and contagious diseases and physical assaults form violent inmates. Physical demands require continuous effort with moderately heavy materials; requires lifting, carrying, dragging, stooping, bending, standing, sitting, walking, crawling, and crouching.