Adult Detention Officer

Job Title

Under general supervision, guards detainees in the County Detention Facility; provides for the needs of detainees during detention to include but not limited to : lock down detainees in cells after searching for weapons, valuables, drugs or other contraband; serves meals, provides first responder aid if needed; observes conduct and behavior of detainees to prevent disturbances and escapes; inspects locks, cells, pods, closets, hallways, access chases, recreational, medical and kitchen areas, windows, grills, doors, and gates for tampering; performs all other duties in a manner consistent with all policies and procedures within a correctional environment.

Education And Experience Requirements

Minimum age requirement of 18 years, with active military duty / service. 21 years of age preferred. High School diploma or GED equivalent. Must have no felony convictions or convictions for crimes involving moral turpitude. Must complete the mandatory Officer Certification process within 6 months of employment. Valid State of New Mexico Driver's license or be able to obtain within six (6) months of employment.

Environmental Factors And Conditions / Physical Requirements

Working conditions are typical adult detention facility settings; involves the potential for high stress levels and exposure to hostile situations; some non-standard work hours are required. Employees may be subject to physical altercations with detainees which may require restraining and / or physically relocating inmates. At time, staff can be called upon to assist with moving unconscious adults in emergency situations for medical treatment. May be required to climb stairs to facilitate appropriate inmate supervision; supervising detainee may require prolonged walking, standing or sitting. May be required to lift 50 pounds or more to accommodate the operational requirements of the facility. Full-time work hours for this position consist of rotating shift work, nights and weekend shifts and overtime. Rotating shifts is a requirement for the operations of this facility. Work schedule for this position may include working on religious holidays. Utilize, process, and navigate the County's electronic ERP system as necessary and appropriate based on the needs and requirements of this position.

Essential Job Functions

Observe conduct and behavior of detainees to prevent disturbances and escapes and to maintain health and cleanliness. Inspect cells, pods, closets, hallways, access chases, recreational, medical and kitchen areas, locks, window bars, grills, doors, and gates for tampering. Search detainees and cells for contraband articles. Transport detainees to judicial proceedings, medical or other authorized appointments. Guard and direct detainees during work assignments and ensures appropriate inmate counts. Patrol assigned areas for evidence of forbidden activities, infractions of rules, and unsatisfactory attitudes or adjustments of detainees; report observations to shift sergeant. Escort detainees to and from visiting room, legal visits, medical office, and religious services or other authorized locations. Guard entrance of detention center to screen visitors. Prepare written reports concerning incidences of detainee disturbances or injuries. Ensure that proper departmental procedures regarding correspondence between the public and detainees are maintained. Serve detainee meals in accordance with established procedures; ensure that proper counting is maintained of all utensils, cups, trays and detainee counts are correct. Search detainee property for contraband including but not limited to : alcoholic beverages, controlled substances, weapons, and nuisance contraband as prescribed by facility policy or by law. Distribute mail for detainees which includes checking for contraband. Request physical examinations and forward specific requests for medical assistance to the nurse; escort detainees to the nurse's office and provides security for the nurse. Verify and may write receipts on commissary purchases; ensure that the Commissary vendor distributes purchases to the proper detainees. Supervise the visitation of attorneys, family members, bondsmen or others. Perform other related duties as may be assigned.