Central Control Room Coordinator

Western Tidewater Regional Jail; Suffolk (VA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Western Tidewater Regional Jail is seeking a Central Control Room Coordinator to monitor and control facility activity from the Central Control Room. This full-time position requires handling security, communications, and audio-visual systems while maintaining calm and accurate responses in emergencies.

The role emphasizes strong computer skills, multitasking ability, and clear communication with staff, visitors, and external agencies. Shift coverage ensures 24/7 facility operations and security.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Excellent computer skills and the ability to learn and operate specialized electronic security and communications systems.
• Ability to multitask and prioritize responsibilities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to remain alert, focused, and composed while monitoring multiple systems and responding to changing circumstances.
• Ability to work as part of a team and communicate effectively with staff, visitors, supervisors, and outside agencies.
• Ability to work as essential personnel, including schedules and circumstances necessary to support continuous facility operations.

Responsibilities

• Monitor facility camera systems, touchscreen computers, radio systems, intercoms, and other security tech.
• Identify and report safety hazards, security threats, disturbances, alarms, and irregularities to supervisors.
• Operate doors and gates and verify staff ID badges before entry/exit.
• Activate and direct security personnel to areas needing assistance.
• Maintain backup panel control for all housing areas.
• Maintain accurate electronic daily logs and documentation.
• Direct visitors to appropriate areas and provide information to the public.
• Answer calls, route them appropriately, and provide basic information about inmates and policies.
• Communicate with outside agencies during emergencies and incidents.
• Provide briefings with oncoming and off-going staff to ensure continuity.
• Perform other duties to support safety and security.

Skills

Computer skills

Multitasking

Verbal communication

Written communication

Teamwork

Situational awareness

Essential personnel

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Security systems

Surveillance cameras

Access-control systems

Radio/telecom equipment

Job description

Shift: 11:00pm - 0700am : WTRJ has three different shifts for this position. Your position is subject to change to accommodate Facility Needs.

Position Summary

The Central Control Room Coordinator plays a critical role in maintaining the safety, security, and efficient operation of a correctional facility. Working from the Central Control Room, this position electronically monitors and controls movement throughout the facility while operating a variety of security, communications, and audio-visual systems.

The ideal candidate is highly attentive, dependable, able to multitask, and capable of appropriately prioritizing competing demands in a fast-paced environment. This position requires strong computer skills, sound judgment, effective communication, and the ability to remain calm and focused during emergencies and other high-pressure situations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Monitor and operate facility camera systems, touchscreen computers, radio systems, intercoms, and other specialized audio-visual and security technology.
• Identify and promptly report safety hazards, security threats, disturbances, alarms, and other irregularities to the appropriate supervisors.
• Electronically operate doors and gates throughout the facility and sally ports.
• Verify staff identification and ID badges before authorizing entry and exit.
• Activate and direct security personnel to areas of the facility where assistance is needed.
• Maintain backup panel control for all housing areas.
• Maintain accurate electronic daily logs and documentation.
• Receive, interact with, and direct visitors to the appropriate areas of the facility.
• Answer incoming telephone calls, route calls appropriately, and provide basic information to the public regarding inmates and facility policies.
• Notify and communicate with outside agencies during emergencies and other situations requiring external assistance.
• Provide and receive briefings with oncoming and off-going staff to ensure continuity of information and operations.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the safety and security of the facility.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Excellent computer skills and the ability to learn and operate specialized electronic security and communications systems.
• Ability to multitask and appropriately prioritize responsibilities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to remain alert, focused, and composed while monitoring multiple systems and responding to changing circumstances.
• Ability to work as part of a team and communicate effectively with staff, visitors, supervisors, and outside agencies.
• Ability to work as essential personnel, including schedules and circumstances necessary to support continuous facility operations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous law enforcement experience.
• Previous corrections or detention facility experience.
• Experience operating security, surveillance, communications, access-control, or other specialized technology.

This is a full-time civilian position designated as essential personnel . The Central Control Room Coordinator works in a controlled security environment and is responsible for continuously monitoring and responding to facility activity. The position involves no direct inmate contact but requires frequent communication with correctional staff, supervisors, visitors, members of the public, and outside agencies.

Successful candidates must be dependable, detail-oriented, technologically proficient, and capable of making appropriate decisions while managing multiple responsibilities simultaneously.

Join our team and play a vital role in maintaining the safety and security of our correctional facility.