Detention Officer

City of Myrtle Beach•Sc, SC

About The Position

The Detention Officer protects life and property, responds to public needs, deters criminal activity, enforces City and state laws and regulations, and performs investigations, special details, and assigned duties within a division. The role handles non-emergency calls and public inquiries, enforces applicable laws, assists with arrests and inmate booking, processes evidence, conducts investigations, and participates in court activities. It also supports other officers and agencies, maintains records and equipment, communicates with a broad range of stakeholders, and provides public education and information on law enforcement and crime prevention. The position includes developing and delivering in-service training, conducting training with detention shifts, assisting with field training for new officers, and performing daily building security patrols. Additional assignments may include special operations, court liaison duties, applicant background checks, event support, data entry, facility tours, and other related duties as requested or assigned. Work is primarily indoors, with some work outdoors or in transport vehicles and potential exposure to adverse environmental and safety conditions.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Must be at least 18 years of age.
Must be a U.S. citizen or have resident status.
Must possess and maintain a valid South Carolina driver's license.
Must be eligible to obtain and maintain South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy Class III and SLECO Law Enforcement Officer Certification; other certifications may be required based on assignment.
Must be qualified to operate a firearm.
Knowledge of law enforcement rules, regulations, and procedures; training methods; interview techniques; and customer service principles.
Skills in communication, training development and delivery, information gathering and analysis, risk assessment, crisis de-escalation, and use of weapons.
Ability to make quick decisions, pay attention to detail, build rapport, listen, remain calm, control frustration, analyze data, interpret instructions, and operate relevant equipment and tools.
Ability to exert force to move objects, including frequently applying 30 pounds and occasionally up to 50 pounds.
Ability to perform physical activities including balancing, climbing, crawling, crouching, grasping, handling, kneeling, lifting, pulling, pushing, reaching, standing, stooping, and walking.
Ability to hear and distinguish sounds, speak and shout to be heard above ambient noise, and maintain visual acuity for observations and equipment operation.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience in law enforcement or public relations in a similar police, law enforcement, or related environment is preferred.

Responsibilities

Respond to non-emergency calls for service and address public complaints and questions about law enforcement matters.
Mediate disputes, provide information and guidance, direct calls, relay messages, and refer individuals to appropriate resources.
Enforce applicable codes, ordinances, laws, and regulations to protect life and property, prevent crime, and promote security.
Write citations, serve warrants in the jail, arrest and process offenders, assist with inmate booking, and process evidence.
Conduct preliminary and advanced investigations, obtain warrants, interview victims, complainants, and witnesses, gather evidence, prepare reports, and participate in court proceedings and testimony.
Assist other officers and law enforcement or public service agencies as needed.
Follow safety procedures, use safety equipment, monitor the work environment, and drive safely under varying conditions.
Inspect and maintain assigned uniform, weapons, and equipment.
Research criminal histories and locate individuals using computers and related databases and systems.
Build positive public relations and provide education and information about laws, law enforcement, crime prevention, drug abuse, and related topics.
Maintain work records, logs, files, manuals, policies, procedures, and reference materials; prepare, review, process, and route reports and other documentation.
Communicate with supervisors, colleagues, dispatchers, public agencies, court personnel, members of the public, and others to obtain and exchange information and coordinate activities.
Attend shift meetings, training sessions, and seminars; read professional literature; and maintain professional affiliations.
Operate standard and specialized law enforcement machinery, equipment, and tools, as well as computers and general office equipment.
Develop and update in-service training classes and curricula; conduct monthly training sessions; assist with field training; and provide remedial and other training to Detention Officers.
Perform building security patrols daily.
As assigned, conduct special operations or details, provide building escorts or public safety support, conduct background investigations, assist with evidence-related escorts, operate the City Info Line, enter reports and citations, schedule facility tours, and perform court liaison duties.
Perform detention application background checks and report findings to the Training Division and Detention Lieutenant.
Participate in pre-service training alongside a training officer and mentor new hires as they progress toward the FTO program.
Perform other related duties as requested, required, or assigned.