Detention Officer Pool - 2026

Forsyth County•Winston-Salem, NC

6d•Onsite

About The Position

Performs specialized inmate detention and care work in the Law Enforcement Detention Center. Incumbents of this classification are not entitled to special law enforcement benefits. An employee in this class performs inmate intake, detention, care and release work in accordance with established policies and procedures. Work includes the observation and accompaniment of inmates inside the cell and County Detention Center and related care and record keeping requirements. Tactfulness and firmness are required. The employee is subject to a hazardous and confining working environment. Work is performed under general supervision and is evaluated during formal discussion and by observation. An employee in this class will work a 12 hour permanent shift, day or night, to oversee operations in a secured facility which is open 24/7.

Requirements

Candidate must have a High School Diploma, or G.E.D. equivalence.
Candidate must possess a valid driver’s license and clean driving history.
Candidate must be able to pass a drug screening and complete medical examination by a licensed physician, including psychological testing and evaluation.
Candidate must be 20 years of age prior to hire date.
Candidate must be a U.S. citizen or Naturalization Certification, if applicable.
Candidate must have a clean criminal record to include no felony convictions.
Candidate must not have had a DWI conviction within the past five years and no more than two in a lifetime.
Candidate must have Honorable Military Discharge, if applicable.
Must possess a valid drivers license
Successfully complete and pass a comprehensive background investigation
Successfully complete a walk along and a panel interview
Successfully complete a psychological/medical examination
Must pass reading and physical exam

Nice To Haves

Relevant certified experience: 1% per year up to max of 15%
Prior Active-Duty Military Service: 1% per year up to max of 15%
Associate's Degree: 5% increase ($2,475)
Bachelor's Degree or above: 10% increase ($4,952)

Responsibilities

Receives inmates by conducting search, completing required intake forms, securing all personal property, and dressing out inmates in detention attire.
Acts as booking officer by maintaining inmate information, verifying the completion of necessary intake forms, classifying inmates and assigning cell location, and maintaining inmate count and cell locations.
Oversees the security and activities of inmates on an assigned floor.
Supervises meals and cleaning of facilities.
Distributes personal property.
Supervises the purchase and distribution of snack items and commissary.
Searches incoming property delivered for inmates to determine if it is allowable.
Verifies visitor acceptance by inmates, notifies the floor officer of visitor, records time and date of visits.
Releases inmates on bond, due to court order or for time served; ensures release papers are accurate and complete; returns all personal property to the individual; completes forms providing required documentation of release.
Supervises trustees cleaning and maintaining detention facilities, doing inmate laundry, and receiving and storing supplies.
Transports inmates for interviews, court or release; monitors inmates' medical status and takes appropriate action when illness or injury is suspected.