JAIL TECHNICIAN (DETENTION CONTROL ROOM)

The Jail Technician is responsible for staff safety, security of the facility and the well-being of the inmates in the Elmore County Detention Center. The primary responsibility of the Jail Technician is to operate the jail’s security system, which includes monitoring and controlling all touch screen functions to provide for the safety and security of the facility in accordance with established policies, regulations, and procedures and in the providing of security to the Elmore County Detention Center. This post also visually monitors movement within the facility, acts as a communications center, randomly monitors active inmate telephones, and operates the closed-circuit TV (CCTV) and digital video recording system. The incumbent uses their own judgment in the performance of duties and, referring unusual, unique, or complex issues to their supervisor for advice and guidance. Performs related duties as required. Position is in the Detention Facility or jail at the Elmore County Sheriff’s Office.

Classification Summary

The principal function of an employee in this class is to abide by State and local laws in the performance of all work duties and activities and in accordance with County policies, procedures, and safety practices. The work is performed under the direction of the Shift Supervisor. Considerable independence is granted to the employee, with unusual, uniqu,e or complex issues referred to the supervisor. This position is full-time and may work non-traditional hours on various shifts including weekend or holiday work hours. The work environment may subject the employee to potential personal danger.

Examples of Work (Illustrative Only)

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Operates and monitors technical audio-visual electronic security consoles which control doors, lights, intercoms, duress alarms, fire alarms, and other similar functions within the facility;
• Ensures that the County jail is operating within the rules and regulations outlined by the policy and procedures manual, Idaho Sheriff Association Jail Standards and by Idaho State laws;
• Positively identifying all persons entering the Detention facility and/or compound visually or through verbal challenge, and reporting unusual or unique situations/persons to the shift supervisor;
• Monitors jail radio traffic, and acts as the jail’s control and dispatch center;
• Maintains a working knowledge of all emergency contingency plans – fire evacuations, medical emergencies, disturbances, hostage situations, major disasters and escapes;
• Documents security checks as required;
• Does not leave post without proper relief;
• Facilitates and visually monitors staff, inmates and visitor movement throughout the facility and on the perimeter;
• Operates and monitors telephone and radio equipment to receive and transmit incoming/outgoing calls;
• Provides answers and feedback to inmates through the jail’s electronic grievance/request system;
• Responds to telephone calls and lobby-based calls from citizens, visitors, attorneys, etc.;
• Routinely enters data into the Jail Management System, keeping a timely and accurate record of all happenings in the Detention Center;
• Responds to all inmate-initiated intercom calls;
• Receives emergency notifications from inmates and relays accurate information to Detention staff for response;
• Ensures scheduled activities are completed in a timely manner;
• Operates and monitors the closed-circuit TV (CCTV) system;
• Possesses sufficient dexterity to manipulate keys and keyboards, operate levers and buttons, manually operate heavy doors and count, collect and inventory small items;
• Calms, or takes other actions to calm emotionally upset persons;
• Notifies Detention staff via radio of all pending activity and/or issues within the jail;
• Initiates routine and emergent inmate headcounts;
• Remains mindful of the location of inmates and staff throughout the facility;
• Creates daily schedules for inmate recreation and volunteer programs;
• Greet visitors who enter the front lobby and ascertain their reason for being in the building;
• Acts as the Incident Command Center during emergencies and provides continuing communications with jail staff and other emergency responders during emergencies;
• Makes notification to dispatch services during emergencies in the jail;
• Maintains information relating to maintenance requests including logging the required information in computerized programs;
• Reports observed, known, and potential safety hazards, security threats, disturbances, and irregularities;
• Prepares formal reports on inmate incidents and activities;
• Visually monitors all staff/inmate interactions and gives immediate radio notification upon perceived altercations;
• Notifies responsible parties when radios, alarms or technical equipment malfunction;
• May perform necessary preventive or minor maintenance functions on certain equipment;
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Perform all work duties and activities in accordance with County policies, procedures and safety practices;
• Make sound and reasonable decisions in accordance with laws, ordinances, regulations and established procedures;
• Performs duties under physical duress and (emotional/mental) stress;

Ability to:

• Quickly and objectively analyze changing situations and take appropriate actions;
• Read people and potentially adverse or unsafe situations and react appropriately;
• Deal effectively with fellow employees and others in stressful situations;
• Maintain a high level of emotional stability while dealing with distressing events;
• Speak and listen clearly and distinctly under pressure;
• Effectively communicate orally, in writing, and over law enforcement radio channels
• Cope with stressful situations calmly, fairly, tactfully and with respect for individual rights;
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work;
• Keep the Shift Supervisor fully and accurately informed of work progress, including present and potential work problems and suggestions for new or improved ways of addressing such problems;
• Uphold the Law Enforcement Code of Ethics at all times;
• Respond to citizen requests in a courteous and effective manner;
• Understand and follow oral and/or written policies, procedures and instructions;
• Take criticism and verbal abuse from inmates and their visitors without reacting in a negative manner;
• Perform a wide variety of duties and responsibilities with accuracy and speed under the pressure of time-sensitive deadlines;
• Multi-task in a fast-paced environment with the skill to react quickly and calmly to events in and around the facility while operating the security control system and receiving/transmitting radio communications;
• Maintain confidentiality;
• Basic computer knowledge;

Acceptable Experience and Training

• High school diploma or GED equivalency;
• Previous security experience preferred; Working knowledge and understanding of security practices and procedures preferred; and,
• Any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the knowledge and abilities necessary to perform the work.

Job Requirements:

• Must be at least 18 years of age; and,
• Must successfully complete a background investigation through the National Crime Information Center (NCIC), including a polygraph exam and a psychological evaluation;

Essential Physical Abilities

• Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing or other communication capabilities, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to discern verbal instructions and communicate in person, radio, and by telephone;
• Proven ability to multitask with a high degree of accuracy under pressure and amidst multiple audio and visual distractions;
• Ability to hear, listen to and understand radio transmissions over open speakers with or without reasonable accommodation;
• Ability to operate audio-visual electronic control console for up to 12 hours at a time;
• Sufficient vision or other powers of observation, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to comprehend written work instructions, perform visual inspections, prepare written documentation and reports, and maintain accurate files;
• Sufficient manual dexterity, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to operate standard office equipment and a personal computer;
• Sufficient personal mobility, flexibility, agility, and balance, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to work in an office environment;
• Sufficient physical exertion due to frequent walking, reaching, kneeling, sitting or standing for prolonged periods of time; and,
• Employee is exposed to a variety of potentially dangerous situations and people.

This position will remain open until filled.