Detention Officer

National Police; New Mexico; Hybrid; USD 42,000 - 51,000; Full time

Job summary

National Police in New Mexico seeks a Detention Officer responsible for maintaining inmate security and enforcing policies in the detention center. The role includes escorting inmates, processing bookings, and ensuring safety and order under supervision.

Additional duties may include classification, transports, housekeeping, property handling, and participation in programs as needed by management.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or G.E.D. required.
• 18 years of age and no felony convictions required.
• Two years’ work experience required.
• Valid NM driver's license with good driving record; no DWI in 3 years.

Responsibilities

• Maintaining inmate security and safety in the detention center.
• Escort inmates and ensure proper booking and incarceration processes.
• Process inmate information including history, medical screening, and data entry.

Education

High school diploma or G.E.D.

Job description

Salary: $42,057.60 – $51,105.60 Annually

Position Summary:

Responsible for maintaining inmate security in the detention center, including enforcement of policies, procedures, and inmate rules; escorting inmates, and preventing escapes. This position operates under both direct and indirect supervision. Additional duties, as needs arise and as dictated by management, may include but are not limited to: classification, transports, housekeeping, property, alternatives to secure detention programs, safety, and warehouse.

Essential Functions:

• Planning and performing a wide range of detention duties to ensure the proper booking, incarceration, and safety of persons committed to the detention center.
• Working from training, instructions, directions of supervisor, and overall policy to receive and detain incarcerated persons.
• Processing incoming inmates by completing electronic booking, pat and/or strip searches, personal history, medical screening, and other essential data to ensure the proper care and incarceration of inmates.
• Performing fingerprinting, photographing, and DNA collection of incoming inmates.
• Inspecting pots and jail cells to ensure cleanliness and orderliness. Records any pertinent conditions during periodic rounds of pods and cells.
• Ensuring that new inmates receive shower and clothing, and responds to additional personal needs in accordance with policies.
• Working in control room to keep constant watch on all sections of the detention center via camera. Controls all doors and entrances. Forwards telephone calls to the appropriate parties. Contacts appropriate personnel in the event of emergency.
• Transferring inmates to court and other appearances. Serves as escort for visiting lawyers, probation officers, counselors, and others. Escorts inmates to various sections of the detention center, including kitchen and recreation.
• Coordinating and cooperates with other law enforcement agencies and judiciary agencies as necessary.
• Overseeing inmate workers.
• Assisting in processing money and documents and assists in bonding. Records all monies and personal items for storage.
• Appropriately distributing medications prescribed by doctors to inmates, completes appropriate documentation, and enters information into computer.
• Obtaining required signatures from inmates for personal and accountable items.
• Dealing with verbal and physical abuse from inmates. Adult detention center may house up to 300 inmates. Juvenile detention facility may house up to 22 for short periods of time.
• Searching inmates and their cells, and restrains inmates when necessary.
• Performing all duties with minimal supervision. Employee may be required to work irregular hours, overtime hours, attend job related meetings, and perform other duties as assigned.
• Transporting inmates to other facilities.
• Picking up and delivering laundry, hygiene items and books to inmates.
• Overseeing inmates both directly and indirectly and spending time in the units with the inmates, as well as overseeing inmates from post.
• Performing duties at either Adult or Juvenile detention facility.
• Performing all other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

• Education/Training/Experience: High school diploma or G.E.D.; 18 years of age and no felony convictions; two years’ work experience.
• Experience Substitution: Two years of college substitutes for two years work experience.
• Licenses/Certification: Valid N.M. driver’s license with a good driving record. No DWI conviction within the past three (3) years.
• Desirable Qualifications: One year experience in correctional work or supervision of individuals in custody; bilingual in Spanish/English; Associate’s degree in criminal justice or related field.
• Other. Post offer drug analysis test and/or pre-employment physical. Driver’s license, employment and criminal background investigation.