Detention Officer

Lubbock County•Lubbock, TX

7d•Onsite

About The Position

The Detention Officer maintains the immediate security, care, and control of inmates and the Lubbock County Detention Center, ensuring compliance with local policies and procedures and Texas minimum jail standards. The role includes inmate intake and release, security and welfare activities, recordkeeping, and response to disciplinary and emergency situations. Officers work in a jail environment that may involve irregular hours, exposure to bodily fluids and communicable diseases, and possible contact with armed or dangerous persons. The work environment is usually moderate to loud, and intense physical exertion may occasionally be required during emergencies. The role requires a high school diploma or GED, age 21 or older, and a valid Texas driver’s license. The officer must communicate effectively, read, write, speak, and comprehend English, and possess or be able to obtain a Basic Jailer’s License Certificate from the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE).

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Must be at least 21 years of age.
Valid Texas driver’s license.
Ability to communicate effectively in writing and verbally, and to read, write, speak, and comprehend English.
Possession of, or ability to obtain, a Basic Jailer’s License Certificate from the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE).
Knowledge of pertinent federal, state, and local laws, regulations, codes, and ordinances; officers must obtain a basic understanding of Texas Minimum Jail Standards and Lubbock County and Sheriff’s Office policies and procedures.
Ability to work independently in the absence of supervision.
Ability to maintain physical conditioning appropriate to assigned duties, including subduing resisting individuals, lifting and carrying moderate-weight materials, and standing or sitting for extended periods.
Ability to respond to emergency situations, work closely with others, work irregular hours, and deal effectively with personal danger and exposure to bodily fluids and communicable diseases.
Audio-visual discrimination and perception needed for observation, reading and writing, equipment operation, and communication; vision and depth perception, including color vision.
Sound judgment and rational thinking under dangerous circumstances; ability to evaluate alternatives and choose appropriate and reasonable courses of action.
Ability to stand, walk up and down stairs, kneel, bend, reach, grip, use fine dexterity, push and pull objects, and flex or rotate the upper trunk.
Ability to frequently lift or move objects weighing up to 20 pounds and occasionally lift or move objects weighing 160 pounds or more.
Ability to place arms above, at, or below shoulder height.

Responsibilities

Maintain the security, care, and control of inmates and the detention center.
Admit and release inmates; take fingerprints, remove personal property, search inmates and their living spaces, and verify medical information.
Communicate with professionals and the general public regarding inmates.
Conduct security checks, document inmate actions, and investigate suspicious activities.
Ensure sanitary conditions comply with policy and Texas minimum jail standards.
Distribute supplies, food, medication, and other necessities to inmates.
Supervise visitations and document daily activities.
Report and log maintenance activities; maintain supplies and document use and inventory.
Handle disciplinary problems; restrain violent and suicidal inmates; respond to medical emergencies and contact appropriate authorities when necessary.
Serve meals according to detention division policy and Texas minimum jail standards.
Create and maintain records, reports, and logs using a computer.
Assist with transporting inmates to court.
Attend in-service schools and training.
Perform other duties as assigned.