Detentions Deputy

Lake County Government•Leadville, CO

5d•$58,300 - $67,585

About The Position

The Detentions Deputy is responsible for the care, transport, and security of inmates lawfully in the custody of the Sheriff and performs duties related to the daily operation of the jail. The Lake County Sheriff's Office seeks a professional, honest candidate with strong communication skills, a commitment to Integrity, Service, and Excellence, and the ability to connect with a diverse community in a rural setting. Bilingual proficiency is preferred. The position reports to the Detentions Sergeant and is classified as full-time and non-exempt. The annual compensation range is $58,300–$67,585, based on years of experience as a Detentions/Corrections officer. The 2026 pay scale ranges from $58,300 during FTO/6-month probation through $67,585 at Step 5. Additional pay may be available for Spanish fluency, postsecondary education, field training officer certification, and other training certificates. Overtime is paid at time and a half after 40 hours in a seven-day work week. The role may require rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime. The position operates in a secure, confined detention facility with controlled access and limited movement. It involves potential exposure to confrontational or aggressive behavior, physical altercations, bodily fluids, communicable diseases, unpleasant odors, loud noises, alarms, and radio communications. Employees must remain alert and composed in stressful situations, respond to emergencies, follow safety protocols, use protective equipment as needed, and participate in required training. Employees may also be required to serve as Disaster Service Workers during a declared local emergency or disaster.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED equivalent.
Valid driver's license.
Successfully complete a written examination, oral board interview, and psychological evaluation.
Adequate vision to perform duties, with or without corrective lenses.
Sufficient hearing, with or without hearing aids, to communicate effectively by phone and radio.
Physical capability to climb, stoop, kneel, bend, crouch, twist, and reach as needed.
Ability to perform basic administrative tasks, including writing, typing, and office-related duties.
Maintain an appropriate level of physical fitness to meet the physical demands and essential functions of the position.
Ability to stand or walk for extended periods.
Ability to respond quickly to emergencies and physically restrain individuals when necessary.
Manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination sufficient to operate control panels, restraints, and emergency equipment.
Ability to perform CPR and basic first aid, including emergency care while awaiting medical personnel.
Ability to remain alert and composed in high-stress or volatile situations.
Ability to work rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime as required.
Applicants must be authorized to lawfully work for any employer in the United States; Lake County cannot sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual proficiency, particularly Spanish/English.
Postsecondary education or applicable college education.
Certified field training officer qualification.
Current P.O.S.T. or applicable instructor skills certifications, such as firearms, arrest control, or driving skills.

Responsibilities

Monitor and observe individuals entering the jail to ensure safety and security.
Control and restrict access to the jail and other secured areas.
Conduct routine interior facility inspections and perform inmate checks at regular intervals.
Verify proper confinement and monitor the safety of inmates, staff, detainees, and visitors.
Process inmate bookings and releases, including handling bond documentation.
Manage inmate cash accounts and regularly update inmate records.
Continuously and accurately log inmate activity and jail operations.
Operate and maintain two-way radios, fingerprint scanners, breathalyzers, computers, fax machines, copiers, and telephones.
Provide courtroom testimony or appear at hearings as required.
Maintain organized, up-to-date jail records and filing systems.
Search cells and pods after inmate intakes and releases to ensure areas are free of contraband and weapons.
Conduct and document thorough weekly inspections of jail areas, including booking, cells, pods, and work release spaces; remove contraband and report violations of jail rules.
Support road deputies, court security, and dispatch personnel with security matters as needed.
Escort inmates to court-ordered destinations using approved transport procedures.
Respond to emergencies, including physical altercations and evacuations, and perform physical restraint, CPR, and basic first aid when necessary.
Attend emergency management trainings and exercises as requested when preparing for potential Disaster Service Worker duties.

Benefits

Annual allowance for health and wellness costs.
End-of-year bonus based on months of service during the year.
Duty firearm provided.
Uniforms, belts, holsters, ballistic body armor and plates, and other equipment provided, except footwear.
Ballistic armor replaced every five years at no cost to the employee.
Additional pay potential for Spanish fluency, postsecondary education, certified field training officer status, and other training certificates.
Overtime paid at time and a half after 40 hours in a seven-day work week.
Advanced education pay of up to a 6% salary increase for applicable completed college education.
Spanish/English bilingual skills incentive of up to a 4% salary increase, subject to testing.
Culture of personal and professional development through skills instructor courses, education, and higher learning.
Comprehensive benefits.