Detention Officers

The GEO Group•Big Spring, TX

About The Position

The Detention Officer oversees and maintains custody, care, and control of detainees in a facility while enforcing company and contracting agency rules, regulations, policies, and procedures. The role monitors detainee activities in living, recreation, dining, and visitation areas; coordinates movements and counts; and provides emergency response as needed. Officers may be assigned to various posts, including control room, entrances, health services, special housing, perimeter security, transportation, work details, reception, intake, and visitation. They also provide security during program activities, supervise labor crews, conduct searches for contraband, prepare disciplinary reports and daily logs, assist detainees experiencing injury or illness, report maintenance needs, and serve on emergency response teams. The position requires completing facility training and performing security duties on any shift assigned by management.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent certification.
At least 21 years of age.
Ability to greet and deal tactfully with the general public.
Ability to understand and apply written and verbal orders, rules, and regulations.
Ability to interpret printed rules, detailed written orders, training instructions, and materials, and to compose reports.
Possession of applicable state requisites for employment.
Ability to work overtime as required.
Ability to handle the physical and mental stress associated with extended hours.
Ability to report to work regularly and on time.
Ability to remain physically alert on any assigned shift.
Ability to work up to 16 hours within a rolling 24-hour period.
Maturity, flexibility, ability to command the respect and confidence of inmates or detainees and staff, and a high tolerance for mental stress.

Nice To Haves

College coursework and advanced training in behavioral sciences, security services, or a related field.
Training in cultural diversity or sensitivity.
A valid state driver's license, if required.

Responsibilities

Oversee and monitor detainees in living, recreation, dining, and visitation areas.
Coordinate and monitor detainee movements, conduct counts, and provide emergency response as needed.
Work at assigned posts, which may include the control room, entrances, health services, special housing, perimeter security, transportation, work details, reception, intake, and visitation.
Provide security during program activities and supervise labor crews around the facility.
Conduct searches for contraband, individually or as part of a specialized team, and confiscate contraband according to applicable policies and procedures.
Initiate disciplinary reports on detainees.
Prepare reports and maintain daily logs as required.
Provide prompt and appropriate assistance to detainees in the event of injury, illness, or trauma.
Promote facility cleanliness and report maintenance or repair needs.
Serve on special teams responding to emergencies as required.
Complete training courses required by facility training standards.
Perform security duties on any shift as defined by management.
Perform other duties as assigned.