Detentions Officer

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.

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.

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:
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.

 

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: 

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

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. 

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

Please click here 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.