Detention Deputy -Trainee and Lateral

Maricopa County•Phoenix, AZ

3d•$27 - $38•Onsite

About The Position

The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office (MCSO) is hiring Detention Deputies as trainees and laterals to help maintain public safety in detention facilities. The role emphasizes effective communication, conflict resolution, respect for all individuals, integrity, accountability, transparency, and collaboration with colleagues. Trainees receive a 12-week paid detention academy; successful lateral candidates participate in an accelerated five-week training and orientation program. Detention Deputies perform security, supervision, inmate services, searches, surveillance, investigations, reporting, and emergency response duties. They may work in varied and potentially dangerous conditions, including indoors and outdoors, confined spaces, exposure to extreme temperatures and hazardous substances, and situations involving emergencies or traumatic subject matter. Facilities operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so employees must be able to work any shift, including rotating shifts and overtime, and may be reassigned to different locations. The position requires substantial physical activity, including running, climbing, crawling, lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, and restraining people. Applicants must pass pre-employment assessments and screening, and employees must complete the required academy and physical readiness assessments to remain employed. The listed hourly pay range is $27.00 to $37.50, with a typical starting rate of $27.00 per hour. A $7,500 sign-on incentive is offered.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED; trainees may qualify if they expect to graduate or receive a GED within 90 days.
At least 18 years of age.
Must be a U.S. citizen or eligible to work in the United States.
Possess or be able to obtain a valid Arizona driver's license by the time of hire.
Complete required pre-employment assessments and screening, including a physical readiness assessment, written examination, orientation, background investigation, polygraph examination, psychological examination, and medical examination with attestation of physical readiness, as applicable to the candidate pathway.
Trainees must participate in and successfully complete the 12-week paid detention academy and required physical readiness assessments.
Lateral applicants must have completed at least an eight-week, in-person Arizona detention or corrections academy or COTA, have the specified prior detention or corrections experience, and meet the stated lateral training requirements.
Lateral applicants must have completed 40 hours of Defensive Tactics Training and hold OC spray certification.
Lateral applicants must have two consecutive years of detention or corrections experience.
Ability to read, learn, understand, apply, and follow rules, regulations, instructions, jail practices, and procedures.
Ability to direct prisoners clearly and authoritatively, maintain accurate records, and prepare routine verbal and written reports.
Ability to distinguish simultaneous audio alarms and distinguish colors and shapes for inventory purposes.
Ability to establish and maintain successful working relationships.
Skill in using standard office equipment.
Ability to perform the physical activities and essential tasks described in the posting, including running, climbing, lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, crawling, and physically restraining people.
Ability to work any shift in a facility operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Nice To Haves

Three years of work experience, prior law enforcement experience, and/or prior military experience.
Possess or be able to obtain a commercial driver's license and/or weapons certification equivalent to Arizona Peace Officer Standards and Training (AZPOST) standards.
For lateral applicants, candidates with an out-of-state detention or corrections academy may be considered after an evaluation of prior training and experience.

Responsibilities

Conduct security walks, head counts, perimeter checks, and continual visual surveillance of inmates and facility areas.
Search facilities, inmate cells, inmates, and visitors for weapons and contraband.
Provide inmate services, including recreation, meals, visitation, and clothing exchanges.
Monitor and control inmate activities and movement, including escorting inmates within or outside the facility.
Pursue fleeing inmates and subdue or restrain resisting inmates using defensive tactics and approved non-lethal weapons.
Respond to emergencies, including medical crises, fires, evacuations, and other situations requiring restraint or removal of inmates from danger.
Perform basic first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
Gather information for investigations by interviewing victims, witnesses, suspects, and confidential informants.
Prepare electronic or handwritten operational journal entries and reports, and maintain accurate records.
Inspect and inventory security equipment and operate facility controls and communication systems.
Communicate over radio channels and verbally with inmates and the public to provide information, direction, and commands and to manage conflict.
Apply independent judgment within legal guidelines and follow applicable rules, policies, and procedures.
Operate telephones, computers, fingerprint equipment, time recorders, cameras, video equipment, scanners, copiers, and fax machines.
Manually unlock and open gates and provide courtroom security and document judicial information.
Inventory inmate belongings and maintain inmate funds using a computerized cash accounting system.
Ensure legal arrest and release documentation is complete and provided to appropriate departments and outside agencies.
Be present at the work site for assigned tasks at scheduled times.