Torchora
Back to Home

Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Detention Officer

💰 $30,000 - $60,000

Law EnforcementCorrectionsPublic Safety

🎯 Role Definition

A Detention Officer is a corrections professional responsible for the secure custody, care, supervision, and transportation of individuals in jails, detention centers, and holding facilities. The role emphasizes facility safety, rule enforcement, inmate classification, crisis intervention, incident documentation, and support for rehabilitation programs while strictly complying with legal, regulatory, and departmental policies. Ideal candidates demonstrate strong situational awareness, de-escalation skills, sound judgment under stress, and proficiency with correctional systems and tools.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Security Officer or Correctional Support Staff transitioning to sworn detention roles.
  • Military service members (especially military police or security personnel).
  • Recent graduates of criminal justice / law enforcement academy programs.

Advancement To:

  • Senior Detention Officer / Lead Officer
  • Shift Supervisor / Sergeant (Detention)
  • Classification Specialist or Training Officer
  • Corrections Lieutenant, Facilities Manager, or Deputy Warden

Lateral Moves:

  • Court Security Officer / Court Bailiff
  • Transportation/Prisoner Transport Coordinator
  • Community Corrections / Probation Officer
  • Intake & Release or Booking Specialist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Supervise inmates and detainees at all times to maintain a safe, secure and secure custody environment; conduct constant observation rounds, perform scheduled and random cell checks, and immediately report unusual behavior or security breaches.
  • Conduct intake, booking, classification and release procedures accurately; verify identity, perform searches, collect personal property, complete documentation, and ensure legal holds and court orders are properly applied.
  • Enforce facility rules, regulations and departmental policies consistently and fairly; issue disciplinary notices, document violations, and participate in disciplinary hearings as required.
  • Perform thorough pat-downs and property searches of inmates, visitors and staff as authorized; detect and confiscate contraband items (drugs, weapons, cell phones) and maintain strict chain-of-custody documentation.
  • Operate and monitor security technology and systems including CCTV, intercoms, alarm panels, electronic locking systems and perimeter detection to proactively identify and respond to incidents.
  • Carry out inmate movement and escort duties within the facility and to outside appointments (medical, court, transfers) while applying safe restraint and transport procedures to reduce risk of escape or assault.
  • Conduct head counts and reconciliations on a set schedule and during shift changes; immediately investigate and report discrepancies and follow accountability protocols for missing or misplaced detainees.
  • Respond to and manage incidents including fights, medical emergencies, suicide attempts, fires, disturbances and escape attempts; perform crisis intervention, basic first aid/CPR and coordinate with emergency services when necessary.
  • Use appropriate physical force and approved restraint devices in accordance with department policy, and document all uses of force with detailed incident reports and witness statements.
  • Prepare accurate, timely and professional reports, logs and incident narratives for daily activity, investigations, disciplinary actions and court testimony when required.
  • Participate in incident investigations, gather and preserve evidence, interview witnesses and provide detailed statements to supervisors and investigators to support internal and external inquiries.
  • Maintain and update inmate records and classification files in the Jail Management System (JMS) or Records Management System (RMS), ensuring data integrity and compliance with privacy and disclosure rules.
  • Supervise and facilitate visitation, mail processing and commissary distribution while enforcing rules that protect safety and prevent contraband exchange.
  • Conduct and document routine and special housing unit searches, shakedowns and cell inspections to maintain sanitary conditions and prevent contraband circulation.
  • Provide de-escalation and conflict resolution for disruptive or emotionally distressed inmates using verbal techniques, negotiation and supervised separation strategies to minimize physical interventions.
  • Facilitate, monitor and support in-facility programs such as education, reentry planning, substance abuse groups and work assignments to promote rehabilitation and maintain orderly operations.
  • Train, mentor and onboard new detention staff, acting as a field trainer or shift lead to ensure consistent application of security procedures, emergency response and reporting standards.
  • Coordinate inmate medical and mental health referrals and appointments; follow through on special needs, medication administration protocols, and ensure continuity of care during offsite transports.
  • Maintain keys, security devices, restraints and equipment inventory; perform pre- and post-shift equipment checks and report defective items for repair or replacement.
  • Ensure facility cleanliness, sanitation and basic maintenance within housing units, booking areas and common spaces; enforce hygiene standards to reduce health risks and support orderly operations.
  • Testify in court, administrative hearings or grand jury proceedings regarding custody, booking records, incidents, and chain-of-custody as required by investigations or prosecutions.
  • Collaborate with allied agencies (law enforcement, courts, probation, medical/behavioral health providers) to coordinate transfers, intake holds, legal warrants, and case-related logistics.
  • Support emergency preparedness planning and participate in drills for natural disasters, power outages, mass disturbances and other large-scale events while executing assigned roles in an incident command structure.
  • Maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality with inmates, families and stakeholders; exercise discretion when handling sensitive information, grievances and investigations.

Secondary Functions

  • Assist in compiling statistical reports, daily logs and shift summaries for supervisors and administrative staff to support operational planning.
  • Participate in training curriculum updates and policy review sessions to incorporate best practices and regulatory changes into facility protocols.
  • Facilitate communication with families and attorneys as permitted, coordinating visitation scheduling and ensuring legal rights to counsel and due process are respected.
  • Provide input into classification decisions, housing assignments and behavior incentive programs to improve safety and operational efficiency.
  • Support specialized units (medical watch, segregation, intake screening) on an as-needed basis to maintain continuity of operations during staffing shortages or high-census periods.
  • Help maintain facility inventories of supplies, hygiene items and paperwork stock and process purchase requests through supervisors.
  • Serve on internal committees (safety, use-of-force review, grievance panels) to help refine policies and ensure compliance with standards.
  • Attend community outreach events and recruitment activities to support the department’s public safety mission and hiring goals.
  • Coordinate with vocational and reentry service partners to arrange inmate access to programs that reduce recidivism and facilitate reintegration.
  • Provide feedback to supervisors about emerging security risks, recurring behavioral patterns and areas for procedural improvement.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Corrections custody operations: intake, booking, classification, housing and release procedures with demonstrated accuracy in records and legal holds.
  • Use of force and defensive tactics training; certified in department-approved restraint techniques and escalation protocols.
  • Emergency medical response: basic first aid, CPR and AED certification (or willingness to certify) and experience providing immediate care until EMS arrival.
  • Surveillance and security systems operation: CCTV monitoring, alarm systems, electronic locking, and intercom operations.
  • Contraband detection and chain-of-custody procedures for evidence preservation and investigative integrity.
  • Report writing and documentation: detailed incident narratives, disciplinary reports, witness statements, and court-ready documentation.
  • Jail Management System (JMS) / Records Management System (RMS) proficiency for inmate records, scheduling, and incident logging.
  • Transport and escort procedures, including vehicle restraints, security routing and courthouse protocol adherence.
  • Legal and regulatory knowledge: relevant federal/state detention statutes, departmental policies, constitutional rights of detainees and civil liability considerations.
  • Inventory and equipment control for security keys, restraints, radios and personal protective equipment.

Soft Skills

  • Strong situational awareness and observation skills to detect subtle behavioral changes and potential security risks.
  • Effective verbal communication and de-escalation skills to defuse conflict and obtain compliance without force when possible.
  • High level of emotional resilience and stress tolerance to make sound decisions in volatile or traumatic situations.
  • Excellent judgment, problem-solving and rapid decision-making under pressure.
  • Teamwork and collaboration with diverse staff, medical providers and external agencies to achieve coordinated responses.
  • Strong ethics, integrity and accountability in handling confidential information and performing enforcement actions.
  • Time management and organizational skills to balance supervision, documentation and routine duties on a shift.
  • Cultural competence and sensitivity when interacting with individuals from varying backgrounds and mental health needs.
  • Attention to detail for inspection, logging and ensuring procedural compliance.
  • Customer-service orientation when interacting with the public, attorneys, family members and oversight entities while upholding security needs.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High school diploma or GED required.

Preferred Education:

  • Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Criminology, Psychology, Social Work, Public Administration, or related field preferred.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Criminal Justice
  • Criminology
  • Psychology
  • Sociology
  • Public Administration

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 0 to 3 years in corrections, law enforcement, security, or military security roles. Entry-level candidates often trained through a detention academy or on-the-job training.

Preferred:

  • 1–3+ years of corrections or custody experience, law enforcement, military police, or security experience with demonstrated competence in supervision, incident response, report writing and the use of corrections technology and procedures.
Explore More Careers