Detention Officer

City of Ennis; Ennis (TX); On-site; USD 42,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Ennis is seeking a Detention Officer to support the Detention Facility under general supervision. You will manage inmate intake, care, release, and supervision, contributing to the safety and security of the facility.

You will provide information to the public and partner agencies, perform risk assessments, and maintain accurate records and reports. Training and certification upkeep are required throughout employment.

Qualifications

• High school graduation or equivalent.
• Any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• A Valid Class C Texas driver license and the ability to maintain a satisfactory driving record.

Responsibilities

• Performs inmate intake procedures, including risk assessments, taking photographs, and fingerprinting; enters inmate information into the system.
• Logs and secures inmates’ personal property.
• Conducts thorough searches of inmates to ensure facility safety.
• Prepares and distributes meals to inmates.
• Handles the release of inmates from the detention facility following proper procedures.
• Performs daily security checks and searches throughout the facility.
• Cleans and conducts basic maintenance tasks to keep the facility safe and operational.
• Processes payments for bonds and fines.
• Appears in court as needed.
• Prepares daily activity reports and completes other required documentation.
• Uses appropriate methods—including verbal de-escalation, physical restraint techniques, and hand control tactics—to safely manage combative, suicidal, or mentally distressed inmates.
• Attends mandatory training courses and maintaining all required certifications.
• Answers phones; responds to inquiries from the public, other City departments, and other agencies.
• Maintains records, prepares reports, and composes correspondence relative to work.
• Ability to arrive to work on time and must maintain a regular and reliable level of attendance.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills

De-escalation

Inmate supervision

Documentation

Communication

Attention to detail

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Class C Texas driver license

Tools

Booking software

Detention systems

Job description

Under general supervision of the Detention Supervisor, the Detention Officer is responsible for performing the intake, care, release, and supervision of inmates being held in the City of Ennis Detention Facility and for the security of the facility. The Detention Officer provides information and assistance to the public, other divisions of the Police Department, other police and county agencies, and the courts relating to inmates housed in the Ennis Detention Center.

• Performs inmate intake procedures, including risk assessments, taking photographs, and fingerprinting; enters inmate information into the system.


• Logs and secures inmates’ personal property.


• Conducts thorough searches of inmates to ensure facility safety.


• Prepares and distributes meals to inmates.


• Handles the release of inmates from the detention facility following proper procedures.


• Performs daily security checks and searches throughout the facility.


• Cleans and conducts basic maintenance tasks to keep the facility safe and operational.


• Processes payments for bonds and fines.


• Appears in court as needed.


• Prepares daily activity reports and completes other required documentation.


• Uses appropriate methods—including verbal de-escalation, physical restraint techniques, and hand control tactics—to safely manage combative, suicidal, or mentally distressed inmates.


• Attends mandatory training courses and maintaining all required certifications.


• Answers phones; responds to inquiries from the public, other City departments, and other agencies.


• Maintains records, prepares reports, and composes correspondence relative to work.


• Ability to arrive to work on time and must maintain a regular and reliable level of attendance.


• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Basic correctional facility procedures and safety protocols.


• Laws, regulations, and rights related to inmate detention and care.


• Procedures for inmate intake, search, restraint, and release.


• Appropriate methods for handling high-risk individuals (e.g., combative, suicidal, or mentally disturbed inmates).


• Basic report writing and documentation practices.


• Observing and assessing potentially volatile situations quickly and accurately.


• Operating booking and detention-related computer systems and software.


• Maintain professionalism and composure in high-stress or emergency situations.


• Communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing.

High school graduation or equivalent; OR

Any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities

A Valid Class C Texas driver license and the ability to maintain a satisfactory driving record.