Sergeant

State of Oklahoma•McAlester, OK

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Sergeant works at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary and is responsible for maintaining the security, control, and custody of inmates in a state adult correctional facility. This is a leadership-level correctional security role. The Sergeant may serve as a team leader or lead worker, provide training, assign work, and perform related duties. The role may also involve independently carrying out a specialized institutional function requiring a high degree of judgment and skill, such as work crew, K-9, transportation, restricted housing, control room, visiting room, gate, activities, hospital security, or armory duties.

Requirements

Meet the statutory minimum age of 20 years.
Possess 30 semester hours from an accredited college or university; or possess a high school diploma from an accredited high school or GED equivalent and complete a Department-conducted or approved training course certified by the Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training, either before employment or during the first six months of employment.
Have 24 months of experience in correctional or security work for a governmental agency or private corrections agency.
Satisfactorily complete minimum testing or professional evaluation through the Merit System of Personnel Administration to determine fitness for the position.
Satisfactorily complete an annual physical examination in keeping with the job conditions and Department of Corrections guidelines.
Possess a valid driver’s license at appointment.
Submit to drug testing.
Be willing and able to work any assigned shift or day of the week, as well as additional shifts as required.
Demonstrate knowledge of English usage, basic math, report writing, firearms use and care, restraint methods, self-defense, discipline of inmates under restraint, and inmate behavior psychology.
Be able to evaluate situations and choose effective actions; respond quickly and effectively in emergencies; follow oral and written instructions; gather and organize facts and write clear, concise reports; communicate effectively; maintain working relationships; maintain firearms proficiency; and assess and manage conflicts among inmates.
If designated as a peace officer, meet Department training and screening requirements and certification requirements of the Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training; training includes physical conditioning, self-defense tactics, and application of oleoresin capsicum (OC) spray.
Meet applicable statutory eligibility requirements concerning criminal convictions, sex-offender registration, domestic violence convictions or restraining orders, and dishonorable military discharge, as described in the posting.

Responsibilities

Provide security and supervision to inmates in varied situations and activities, maintaining security of an assigned area or post.
Supervise inmate work crews, escort inmates to work sites, and inventory and control equipment, weapons, tools, and keys.
Patrol assigned areas during an assigned shift; observe inmate activities and movements; and manage inmate conduct, work, and discipline.
Maintain order and discipline during programs, meals, and recreation; inspect living areas, facilities, and work locations for unauthorized objects or materials; and report incidents.
Operate manually or electronically controlled security equipment to manage controlled movement of inmates, staff, and the public.
Conduct inmate counts and searches of inmates and living quarters for contraband, and enforce institutional rules and regulations.
Prepare written documentation and reports concerning inmate behavior, status, and movement.
Participate on escape and apprehension teams and respond to riots and fires.
As assigned, lead a team or work group, provide training, and assign work.
As assigned, independently perform a specialized institutional function requiring judgment and skill.