Detention Officer

****Please note that not all candidates will be contacted due to the high volume of applications received. ****


Are you committed to maintaining safety, security, and order in a correctional environment? We are currently seeking a dedicated and responsible Detention Officer to join our team. As a Detention Officer, you will play a vital role in overseeing the daily operations of a detention facility, ensuring the well-being of both detainees and staff, and enforcing facility rules and regulations. This position requires strong communication skills, quick decision-making, and the ability to handle challenging situations with professionalism and integrity. If you’re ready to take on a rewarding and dynamic role in public safety, we encourage you to apply today!


Performs protective service work processing inmates, maintaining corrections center security, transporting inmates, and performs related work as apparent or assigned. Work is performed under the moderate supervision of the Detention Supervisor.


****Compensation adjusted based on experience and education****
•         1% for each year of experience up to 10 years
•         2% for Associate’s degree
•         2% for Bachelor’s degree
•         5% for Intermediate Detention Certification
•         5% for Advanced Detention Certification

• Ensures the safety and security of inmates within the Chatham County Detention Center;
• Controls inmates by performing routine facility checks, conducting head counts, resolving conflicts, performing cell searches, and removing dangerous and unruly inmates as necessary;
• Receives and processes inmates into the custody of the institution, searches prisoners, takes charge of personal property, and assists in investigations of incidents within the Detention Center;
• Participates in daily shift briefings and maintains key and radio control.
• Distributes medications and meals, distributes and restocks supplies, and maintains accountability of razors;
• Prepares and maintains logs, reports, and records, organizes files, answers telephone, contacts other agencies, and responds to inquiries;
• Escorts and transports inmates to court and other required appointments and supervises inmate visitation;
• Prepares and distributes canteens to inmates;
• Performs general maintenance and cleaning of the Detention Center;
• May be assigned collateral officer duties such as special operations, community service, or assisting other teams of the Sheriff's Office;
• Assists with training new officers and attends training and meetings as required;
• Assists with setting up the kitchen and may assist with cooking daily meals, stocking inventory, washing utensils, cleaning the kitchen, etc.;
• Performs other duties as assigned.

High school diploma or GED or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Some knowledge of the security, rules, regulations and procedures of the institution; 
• Some knowledge of the practices of modem penology as related to the supervision and care of persons under institutionalized restraint; 
• Some knowledge of evacuation and fire policies and procedures; 
• Ability to enforce institutional rules firmly and fairly; 
• Ability to detect potential behavior problems of inmates; 
• Ability to detect the early symptoms of common health problems; 
• Ability to carry out oral and written directions accurately; 
• Ability to supervise the activities of large groups of inmates; 
• Ability to prepare records and reports and 
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, inmates, attorneys and the general public.

Salary : $52,060 - $66,377