Detention Officer

County of Luna•Deming, NM

About The Position

Under the direction of a Corporal, Sergeant, and Lieutenant, the Detention Officer performs assigned work focused on supervising detainees. The officer maintains order and security by fairly and impartially applying Luna County Detention Center policies, procedures, and accepted security practices, while protecting detainees’ rights and ensuring their safe and humane treatment. The position includes supervising detainees in housing areas and elsewhere within the secured perimeter; monitoring behavior and well-being; conducting security checks and searches; escorting detainees; controlling movement through designated areas; and coordinating with medical staff. Officers also handle detainee releases and property, complete and access records, respond to emergencies, and may use appropriate levels of force when necessary. Academy cadets receive close supervision from the Detention Center Academy Training Sergeant and training staff while completing intensive classroom and physical training. After successful academy and on-the-job training, officers directly supervise detainees and perform duties related to the welfare, safety, and security of their assigned housing unit. The job requires rotating shifts and position assignments.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Valid driver’s license with no restrictions.
Pass a written test, oral interview, and background investigation.
Pass post-offer medical examination and drug screening.
Meet the stated physical agility standards: 1-mile run in 15 minutes, 300-meter run in 75 seconds, at least 18 push-ups within one minute, and at least 20 sit-ups within one minute. Cadets who fail a component receive one additional opportunity to pass and are expected to improve each week.
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret law-enforcement and judicial records and documents; present information effectively orally and in writing; and respond to questions.
Knowledge of detention operations and adult detention standards, policies, procedures, and programs; applicable laws and regulations, including victim’s rights; AFIS and offender management systems; and the functions and relationships of federal, state, and local law-enforcement agencies.
Knowledge of computer equipment and software for spreadsheets and databases, statistical analysis, research methods, and report presentation.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships; analyze problems and consequences; exercise sound judgment and discretion; and plan, assign, direct, and evaluate work.
Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, comprehend written English, recall visual details, investigate incidents, and interact effectively with people from varied backgrounds.
Ability to learn and perform first aid and CPR; recognize unusual medical, physical, or mental conditions; learn to use and care for weapons, including firearms; learn restraint and self-defense tactics; and use sufficient physical force when required.
Ability to perform strenuous physical work, including frequent climbing, lifting objects over 50 pounds, crouching or crawling in restricted areas, and defending oneself or others from physical attack.
Ability to react quickly and effectively to physical confrontations and emergencies; qualify with and safely use department-approved and issued firearms and defensive weapons; and wear required uniform articles and protective equipment for extended periods.
Ability to work in housing units for prolonged periods, see clearly and recall visual details, and speak clearly.

Responsibilities

Communicate effectively with detainees and other people from varied ethnic, racial, cultural, and economic backgrounds, including people with language, learning, developmental, psychiatric, or physical challenges.
Supervise detainees in jail housing areas, including during meal service, security checks, medication distribution, and scheduled or random searches.
Maintain order and oversee detainee behavior in assigned duty areas; directly supervise and escort detainees within the secured perimeter.
Patrol and secure designated facility areas and control traffic to and from specific areas.
Conduct physical searches of detainees, cells, and other areas to protect personnel, detainees, and visitors.
Monitor detainees’ well-being, summon medical aid, communicate with medical staff, and assist medical staff as directed.
Release detainees and their property in accordance with established procedures, bail, court orders, or other orders from appropriate authorities.
Assign and direct detainee work.
Complete detention center paperwork accurately, including booking and release records, reports, logs, requests, memoranda, and rosters.
Access computer-system information in response to requests from law enforcement and court agencies.
Respond promptly and appropriately to emergencies, including assaults, fires, riots, disturbances, explosions, natural disasters, and hostage situations; use appropriate levels of force when necessary.
Operate computers, printers, fax machines, fingerprint machines, physical restraint devices, radios, fire extinguishers, intercom systems, and telephones.
Work rotating shifts and rotate among positions; perform other duties as assigned or required.
As a cadet, complete intensive classroom instruction and rigorous physical training under close supervision; after academy and FTO training, supervise detainees and support the welfare, safety, and security of the assigned housing unit.