Detention Officer (Shiftwork Required - Nights, Weekends, Holidays)
About The Position
Performs security duties in the Fort Lauderdale Police Department’s Detention Facility by maintaining order and providing care, control, and custody of prisoners. Work is performed under the immediate supervision of a Detention Corporal and in accordance with established security procedures, department regulations, applicable laws, and the collective bargaining agreement between the City of Fort Lauderdale and Teamsters Local Union 769. This open-competitive posting is open to both City employees and external applicants. The role requires shift flexibility to support the unit’s 24/7 mission, including nights, weekends, holidays, and work during a state of emergency. Employees may be required to work immediately before, during, and/or after an emergency. Officers will be armed when transporting arrestees. Applicants must complete the applicable certification, testing, screening, and documentation requirements.
Requirements
- High school diploma or GED.
- Be at least 18 years old at the time of application.
- Be a U.S. citizen, born in the United States or naturalized.
- No felony conviction, misdemeanor conviction involving perjury or a false statement, or dishonorable discharge from any U.S. Armed Forces branch.
- Successfully complete FDLE Criminal Justice Standards Training Commission certification or equivalent from an accredited academy and comply with applicable FDLE and CJSTC training and standards.
- Possess or be able to obtain State Corrections Officer Certification in compliance with Florida Statutes 943.1395.
- Possess or be able to obtain and maintain a valid Florida driver’s license within 30 days of employment.
- Successfully complete a background investigation, including polygraph and psychological examination.
- Be able and willing to work flexible assigned shifts, including nights, weekends, holidays, and during a state of emergency.
- Submit the required application documents: birth certificate and/or naturalization documents; high school diploma or equivalent; driver’s license history obtained no earlier than 30 days before application, including history from every state where a license was held; passing Physical Agility Test score; passing Basic Abilities Test—Correctional Officer score for non-certified applicants; applicable FDLE/CJSTC certification; State Corrections Officer Certification if certified; and supporting documents for any Veterans’ Preference claim.
- Out-of-area applicants must successfully complete the Physical Agility Test before hire; proof is not required with the application. Out-of-area applicants are those residing outside Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach counties.
- Applicants residing outside Florida do not need to submit proof of passing the Basic Abilities Test with the application but must successfully complete the test before hire.
Responsibilities
- Maintain care, custody, and control of detainees and prisoners, taking appropriate action to ensure the safety and security of detainees, the public, and law enforcement and detention personnel.
- Receive incoming prisoners and conduct searches for concealed weapons and contraband.
- Coordinate prisoner placement and cell assignments during intake.
- Follow booking and release orders and procedures.
- Maintain accurate detainee and prisoner counts, complete records, and current information in the computerized record information system.
- Secure detention facility keys; receive status and incident reports and special instructions; and follow instructions from supervisors and other detention personnel.
- Operate an agency vehicle to transport detainees in accordance with agency policies, procedures, and safe-driving laws.
- Maintain heightened awareness of surroundings and the environment to preserve life and property.
- Control emotional reactions and impulses while handling disagreeable or dangerous situations.
- Apply detention-facility procedures, including the use of restraint devices and less-than-lethal force such as OC spray and tasers for inmate control.
- Operate a two-way radio using proper etiquette, communication and dispatch codes, signals, and officer-safety techniques.
- Assist with events, critical incidents, or emergencies when required.
- Work assigned shifts as needed, including days, nights, weekends, holidays, and during states of emergency.
- Perform related duties as required.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Education Level
High school or GED
