Detentions Officer

Salary : $5,267.56 - $6,402.74 Monthly

Location : Chula Vista, CA

Job Type : Permanent, Full-Time

Job Number : 25513702

Department : Police - Support Operations

Division : City Jail

Opening Date : 02 / 05 / 2025

Closing Date : 3 / 3 / 2025 5 : 00 PM Pacific

Description and Essential Functions

This is a non-sworn position that processes, guards, secures and confines all persons who have been detained, arrested or put under protective custody into the Chula Vista Police Department City Jail (50-bed); work with others to provide efficient jail-related services to sworn peace officers and other staff; and to perform other related duties as required.

Candidates who successfully complete all portions of the selection process will be placed on an Eligibility List for a period of six (6) months unless otherwise extended.

Essential Functions :

Functions may include, but are not limited to, the following : book, process, photograph and fingerprints inmates; search incoming inmates for weapons and contraband; prepare arrest packets including checking criminal history backgrounds using a variety of law enforcement related computer software; process any evidence collected from prisoners; maintain order in holding facilities; restrain combative prisoners and attend to injured prisoners when necessary; complete jail reports should an incident occur in the jail facility; provide detailed information to watch commander; handle prisoners in accordance with Title 15 and 24 CCR; segregate inmates when necessary; confine juveniles in separate holding areas; provide prisoner information to other law enforcement agencies or facility personnel; assist arresting officers with DUI tests (breathalyzer); transport prisoners to South County Courthouse, San Diego County Jail, Las Colinas Women's Detention Facility, San Diego Juvenile Hall or other required facility; guard prisoners in the hospital before transfer to county detention facilities as required; maintain jail security; keep a safe and sanitary jail facility (including all interview rooms, report rooms, "DUI" rooms, and holding cells); maintain jail supplies, first aid kits, film, ink, print cards, gloves, paper suits, blankets and other miscellaneous supplies; secure prisoners personal property; coordinate and supervise daily inmate meals distribution; complete various clerical reports including booking reports, detention cards, and jail logs, juvenile logs and injured prisoner reports; edit and process incoming teletype information messages regarding out of county or state warrants and bulletins; maintain and update the Jail's Policy and Procedure Manual; follow bail schedules and receive and process bail monies and / or bonds; sound and / or respond to alarms; prepare frozen entrees and serve meals to inmates; conduct perimeter security checks; coordinate the release of prisoners; create photo lineups; maintain Jail Control Room as required; and perform related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Any combination of education and / or experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be one year of responsible experience in a position that includes high public contact and training equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade supplemented by college courses in criminal justice or a related field and at least 18 years of age at time of hire.

Required License or Certificate : A valid California driver's license. Successful completion of an Adult Corrections Officer Academy which meets all requirements of the California Standards and Training for Corrections (STC) within one year of hire. Individuals who have previously completed the Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Basic Academy Course will be required to successfully complete the Adult Corrections Officer Supplemental Core Course within one year of hire.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities / Physical Demands and Working Conditions

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities :

Knowledge of : principles of human behavior and group dynamics; applicable laws, codes, ordinances, and regulations; basic math; safety precautions and practices for kitchen equipment; basic techniques used to prepare frozen entrees and serve meals; English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation; computer equipment and software applications related to assignment. Ability to : maintain order, instruct, and direct the activities of prisoners; accurately observe, recall, and document prisoner behavior; assess situations to prevent or solve problems and take appropriate course of action; control prisoners who resist using minimum force; understand bail schedules and how to receive and process bail monies and / or bonds; understand the rules of chain of evidence and proper chain of evidence procedures; use a taser gun and pepper spray; exercise good judgment in maintaining order and security and directing the activities of inmates; read, comprehend, and appropriately apply laws, statutes, and policies; administer first aid; operate and maintain kitchen equipment in a safe and efficient manner; operate computer equipment and software applications related to assignment; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work; and work with various cultural and ethnic groups in a tactful and effective manner.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions :

With assistance must be able to restrain prisoners weighing up to 200 pounds using a variety of restraint techniques; must have the ability to read rules, regulations, training materials, and other documents; must be able to sit for long periods of time; must be able to stand for extended periods of time; must have mental acuity to perform simple mathematical calculations, as well as write accurate reports; must be able to use disinfectants to clean prisoner cells; must be able to bend, grab, lift objects weighing up to 75 pounds; must have the ability to hear verbal commands, warning bells, and other sounds; and have the ability to use a computer keyboard. Primary work is performed indoors in a jail facility environment with fluorescent lighting and moderate noise level. There is exposure to the external environment when to transporting inmates to other areas. May work in the presence of hostile and / or aggressive individuals. May occasionally be exposed to infectious and contagious diseases, bodily fluids and cleaning chemicals.

Additional Information

The selection process will consist of the following :

1. Written Exam - Tentative Week of March 10 - 14 The written exam is designed to evaluate the candidates' written communication skills, reading comprehension, and basic math skills. You are required to pass the written exam to continue in the selection process.

2. Pre-Background Questionnaire (PBQ) - Tentative Week of March 10 - 14 This confidential questionnaire is designed to assist the Police Department in conducting a preliminary suitability screening. This confidential questionnaire will be provided in-person, typically, the same day as the written exam. You are required to pass the Pre-Background questionnaire to continue in the selection process.

3. Physical Agility Test (PAT) - Tentative Dates : March 22, March 29, April 5 The Physical Agility Test (PAT) is developed to assess fitness and agility capabilities necessary to perform the duties of a Detentions Officer. You must pass both portions of the PAT to move forward in the process. Candidates will be notified via email if the PAT was passed or failed. The PAT is comprised of two, timed events :

• 500-yard run to be completed in 2 minutes and 20 seconds or less AND
• Obstacle / Agility Course

Candidates must successfully complete written exam, PBQ, and PAT to continue in the selection process.

Written Exam & PAT Waiver Information :

If you currently possess a valid California Standards and Training for Corrections (STC) Adult Corrections Officer Core Course Certificate OR a Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Basic Academy Course Certificate, you may be eligible to waive the written exam and PAT requirements for this position.

You must attach a copy of your certification to your application to verify your eligibility.

4. Background Questionnaire

Candidates must successfully complete the background questionnaire to continue in the selection process.

5. Panel Interview : The oral board interview will consist of questions regarding candidate's education, experience, interest, and personal qualifications to determine suitability for law enforcement service.

ALL DATES INDICATED ABOVE ARE TENTATIVE AND SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT FURTHER NOTICE.

Recruitment No. 25513702

To be considered, applicants must submit an online City Application. Candidates whose applications indicate education and experience most directly related to the position will be invited to participate in the selection process. All notices will be sent via e-mail.

Unless otherwise noted, a passing score must be achieved at each step of the recruitment process in order to have your name placed on the eligibility list for hiring consideration. The eligibility list established as a result of this recruitment will be for a duration of six (6) months, unless otherwise extended.

Please note : The examination materials for this recruitment are validated, copyrighted, and / or inappropriate for review.

Pre-Employment Background Investigation

Successful candidates must undergo a thorough background investigation. There are certain types of conduct which are automatic grounds for disqualification.

Please to review the "Pre-Employment Disqualifying Criteria" which identify some of the common areas of the background investigation process that may cause delay or prevent you from competing in the selection process.

ACE Benefit Summary : Click

The supplemental questionnaire is used to further evaluate your experience and education to determine your eligibility for this position. Please answer each question accurately and thoroughly. To be considered for this position, the experience you indicate in your responses to the supplemental questions must also be described, in detail, on the Work History / Experience section of your Employment Application. Failure to complete the "Work History / Experience" section of the employment application will result in your application not being considered. Please do not refer your response to your resume. A resume will not be considered in determining your qualifications.

Are you at least 17 1 / 2 years old at the time of application? (Detentions Officers must be at least 18 years of age at time of hire.)

Education

Which of the following best describes your highest level of education?

If you indicated you have an AA / AS or BA / BS degree, which of the following best describes your major field of study?

Have you taken any college / university courses in criminal justice?

If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, please list the courses you have taken, and the institution where they were taken. If you answered "No" to the previous question, please indicate N / A.

Do you currently possess a valid California Standards and Training for Corrections (STC) Adult Corrections Officer Core Course Certificate? (You must attach a copy of your certification to your application)

Do you currently possess a valid Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Basic Academy Course Certificate? (You must attach a copy of your certification to your application)

Work Experience Do you have law enforcement experience?

If you responded "Yes" to the previous question, please describe your experience working in law enforcement. Your response must include the following information and be structured in the following format : a. Organization / agency where you gained your experience;b. Period of employment (from-to); c. Position title; and d. Description of duties performed. If you answered "No" to the previous question, please indicate "No experience".

Do you have professional experience working in a jail facility?

If you responded "Yes" to the previous question, please describe your experience working in a jail facility. Your response must include the following information and be structured in the following format : a. Organization / agency where you gained your experience; b. Period of employment (from-to); c. Position title; and d. Description of duties performed. If you answered "No" to the previous question, please indicate "No experience".

Which of the following best describes your related work experience that includes high public contact? High public contact is defined for the purpose of this recruitment as considerable / heavy public contact dealing with hostile and irate individuals. This information must also be listed in the Work Experience section of your application.

Please describe your work experience that includes high public contact. Your response must include the following information and be structured in the following format : a. Organization / agency where you gained your experience; b. Period of employment (from-to); c. Position title; and d. Description of duties performed. If you answered "No experience" to the previous question, please indicate "No experience". Please note : Your response to this question will be used in determining whether or not your work experience meets the stated definition of high public contact, which is what will qualify you to continue on in the recruitment process. Therefore it is to your benefit to be thorough and accurate with your response. Failure to provide relevant, accurate information that meets the provided definition of high public contact will result in your disqualification.

Bilingual Skills Are you bilingual in any language?

If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, please provide the language and level of fluency. If you answered "No", please indicate N / A.

Background Investigation Process I acknowledge that I must undergo a thorough background investigation conducted by the Chula Vista Police Department prior to my appointment. I also understand that this process may take up to six months to complete.

APPLICANT'S ACKNOWLEDGMENT - NOTIFICATION VIA ELECTRONIC MAIL (E-MAIL)

The City of Chula Vista's Human Resources Department uses electronic mail (e-mail) to notify applicants of important information relating to the status and processing of your application. We do so as part of our ongoing efforts to increase operational efficiency, promote the conservation of green resources, and minimize delays and costs. Therefore, as an applicant, you are hereby advised of the following :

1. Ensure that the email address and contact information you provide is current, secure, and readily accessible to you. Do not share email addresses. Spam or other filters should be adjusted to accept our emails. We will not be responsible in any way if you do not receive our emails , i.e., for the non-delivery of email or if you fail to check your email-box on a timely basis, etc.

2. Read any notices we send carefully and in a timely manner. Follow further instructions, if any. We recommend that you print and keep a hard copy of our notices for your records.

Required Question

Salary : $5,268 - $6,403