Detention Services Officer

City of Gilroy•Gilroy, CA

19d•Onsite

About The Position

The City of Gilroy is recruiting to fill the position of Detention Services Officer in the Gilroy Police Department (GPD). This is an entry-level civilian law enforcement position. The DSO will work under the general direction of the Patrol Watch Commander operating the department’s detention facility, booking and transporting prisoners, and provide general assistance to the Operations and Support Services Division. Other law enforcement services and duties are required such as maintaining jail security, conducting searches, and responding to non-hazardous calls for service. The work of DSO’s may be dangerous. Employees take suspects into custody at the City jail and may hold them for up to 24 hours. Once in custody, prisoners may be transported to the County jail in a Police vehicle or van. While performing routines, employees may start in a seated and docile position and then respond in a highly energized position. This job may be very fast paced and may require quick changes within a short period of time. The Gilroy Police Department (GPD) is located 28 miles south of San Jose, in Santa Clara County, and serves a diverse population base of approximately 60,000 residents. GPD provides 24 hour patrol services responding to public safety calls for service and implementing crime suppression, conducting investigations, traffic enforcement and accident investigation and solving civil conflicts, arresting suspects and engaging in directed patrol missions to prevent or reduce crime in order to protect life and property for the citizens of Gilroy. The Gilroy Police Department is a progressive and forward-thinking organization that fosters career growth and seeks to utilize our employees to their fullest potential. Our core values of respect, integrity, compassion, teamwork, innovation, and accountability are a foundation to enhancing police services, community relations, quality partnerships, and meeting the needs of our community whom we are dedicated to serve.

Requirements

Possess a high school diploma or equivalent.
Possess a minimum of two (2) years of full-time work experience, preferably in public service.
Required to attend a 176-hour Corrections Academy course within one year from the date of hire.
Be at least 21 years of age.
Pass a physical agility test.
Be able to meet the current physical ability/ medical standards for a Detention Services Officer and be free from physical condition which adversely affect the performance of the essential duties of a Detention Services Officer.
Pass a Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) background investigation, which includes a polygraph examination, and extensive Department of Justice criminal record check, an FBI check and firearms clearance.
Pass a post-offer psychological evaluation and a medical examination, which includes a drug test.
Possess and maintain a valid California Driver License and safe driving record necessary to operate assigned vehicles.
Required to be proficient in typical police weaponry and meet department firearms qualification requirements
Pass all required department training.
Possess and maintain C.P.R. and First Aid Training certificates within six (6) months of hire.
Establish and maintain residency within 45 minutes normal driving time from the Gilroy Police Station within 18 months from date of hire.
Submit a copy of your P.O.S.T. Physical Agility Work Sample Test Battery certificate showing the minimum score of 384 points and passing score on the 1.5 mile run (14 minutes or less) with your online application. Your results must be dated within one year of your application.
A complete application with responses to Supplemental Questions
Written passing result/score for the P.O.S.T. physical agility work sample test battery score of 384 or higher plus a passing score on the 1.5 mile run (14 minutes or less) dated within one year of the employment application is required

Nice To Haves

General knowledge of the Criminal Justice and Department of Justice standards of confidentiality.
Experience booking arrestees and administering fingerprints, taking prisoner photos, completing medical forms, and transporting detainees.
Exercise good judgment, courage, alertness, and an even temperament to achieve desired results when dealing with prisoners.
Maintain poise and self-control during contentious situations that require mental resilience and the ability to act quickly.
Experience with firearms.
Effective oral and written communication skills along with a strong ability to actively listen.
Technologically savvy and able to work with various electronic devices, office equipment, and software programs.
Hold cleanliness in high regard to ensure safety conditions of the detention facility are up to standards.
Maintain an organized work area that is adequately stocked with necessary supplies.
Take a significant degree of initiative, use independent judgement, and discretion.
Bilingual (English/Spanish) desired but not required.
Prefer non-tobacco user.
Cover letter that explains your specific interest in this position with the City of Gilroy Police Department is preferred
Detailed resume focusing on related work experience and education is preferred

Responsibilities

Complete booking on arrestees, including but not limited to fingerprinting, photographs, booking and medical forms.
Maintain jail security, which may include conducting searches.
Maintain, control, and care for prisoners in Police custody. Provide periodic checks and monitor prisoner activity.
Comply with State laws and department regulations regarding prisoner segregation, safety, rights and overall work.
Make timely notification to the watch commander of detention facility conditions and incidents involving prisoners.
Responsible for the cleanliness and safety conditions of the detention facility.
Ensure detention facility is adequately stocked with supplies.
May be required to assist in property and evidence collection and processing.
Properly operate, care for and maintain department equipment.
Pick up and transport prisoners. Monitor and escort prisoner movements.
May assist in apprehension of prisoners using sound principles of law enforcement techniques.
May be required to prepare police reports and accurately complete a variety of forms.
May be required to provide written statements or keep logs on incidents, which occur in the holding facility or involving prisoners. May be required to tape record and transcribe dictated reports.
Serve subpoenas.
Make recommendations for updates in department policies and procedures.
Testify in court.
Fingerprint and / or photograph citizens or City employees, as required.
Lift and carry equipment, supplies and packages.
Assist in maintenance of files and indexes.
Maintain equipment inventory and distribute equipment and supplies. Ensure repair and/or replacement of damaged equipment.
Assist in vehicle maintenance program.
May be required to do computer data entry.
May be subject to recall.
May work an assigned shift with varied days and/or hours; may be required to work holidays.
Participate in training programs.