DETENTION OFFICER - CADET (Multiple)

Durham County Government; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 49,000 - 84,000; Full time

Job summary

Durham County Government is seeking qualified candidates for Detention Officer Cadet positions. Selected cadets will attend the Detention Officer Certification Course (DOCC) and, upon successful completion, be certified as North Carolina Basic Detention Officers.

Cadets will gain hands-on experience in processing inmates, maintaining security, and performing clerical duties while pursuing full-time detention officer roles with the Sheriff’s Office in Durham.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of Federal, State, and local laws governing the operation of the DCFD.
• Knowledge of forms, records, and reports used in the detention facility.
• Ability to stand or sit for long periods of time.
• Ability to maintain discipline and order among inmates.
• Ability to work in a confined area.
• Ability to deal firmly and courteously with inmates and visitors.
• Ability to use sound judgment in both routine and emergency situations.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with other employees.

Responsibilities

• Processes inmates into custody of institution, searches prisoners, takes charge of personal property; provides opportunity to call attorney or relative, advises on institutional rules and regulations.
• Patrols assigned area periodically to ensure security and maintain order.
• Supervises inmates during meals, exercise, work, recreation and personal hygiene and related activities for conformance to institutional rules, regulations and procedures.
• Attends to special needs of prisoners and attempts to resolve individual problems if possible.
• Escorts and transports inmates as required.
• Secures cell doors to prevent conflicts between inmates.
• Prepares routine records on inmates; performs general clerical duties, prepares court lists.
• Ensures the care and maintenance of quarters, work and recreational equipment used by inmates.
• Arranges visits, inspects items brought into the jail, checks incoming and outgoing mail.
• Performs related work as assigned.

Skills

Laws & regulations

Inmate management

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Durham County Government employs approximately 1,900 employees that work towards providing needed services throughout the community. With a wide array of services, Durham County Government is at the heart of a rapidly growing and diverse area offering residents, employees and visitors exciting opportunities to live, work, grow and play. For more information about Durham County Government, visit www.dconc.gov

Department

[[Office of the Sheriff]]

Date Posted

January 5, 2026

Closing Date

December 31, 2026

Salary Min

$49.052.00

Salary Max

$83,583.00

Position Number

40000567, 40000577, 40000507, 40000574, 40000599, 40000602, 40000627, 40003402,

Job Type

[[FULL-TIME]]

• VACANCIES WILL BE FILLED AS THEY OCCUR***

The Durham County Sheriff’s Office is seeking qualified candidates who embody the values and diversity of the Durham County community.

If you are interested in pursuing a career as a Detention Officer, submit your application for a Detention Officer Cadet position. Selected candidates will attend the Detention Officer Certification Course (DOCC). Upon successful completion of all training requirements, the cadet will be certified as a North Carolina Basic Detention Officer.

IN A CONTROLLED ENVIROMENT BE ABLE TO EXECUTE THE FOLLOWING:

• Processes inmates into custody of institution, searches prisoners, takes charge of personal property; provides opportunity to call attorney or relative, advises on institutional rules and regulations.
• Patrols assigned area periodically to ensure security and maintain order.
• Supervises inmates during meals, exercise, work, recreation and personal hygiene and related activities for conformance to institutional rules, regulations and procedures.
• Attends to special needs of prisoners and attempts to resolve individual problems if possible.
• Escorts and transports inmates as required.
• Secures cell doors to prevent conflicts between inmates.
• Prepares routine records on inmates; performs general clerical duties, prepares court lists.
• Ensures the care and maintenance of quarters, work and recreational equipment used by inmates.
• Arranges visits, inspects items brought into the jail, checks incoming and outgoing mail.
• Performs related work as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Knowledge of Federal, State, and local laws governing the operation of the DCFD.
• Knowledge of forms, records, and reports used in the detention facility.
• Ability to stand or sit for long periods of time.
• Ability to maintain discipline and order among inmates.
• Ability to work in a confined area.
• Ability to deal firmly and courteously with inmates and visitors.
• Ability to use sound judgment in both routine and emergency situations.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with other employees.

Physical Demands

Performs medium work that involves walking, standing, stooping, jumping, lifting, digging, pushing and raising objects and also involves exerting between 20 and 50 pounds of force on a regular and recurring basis and 50 to 100 pounds of force on an occasional basis.

Requirements

• Must be at least 20 years old.
• Must be a citizen of the United States.
• Must have a high school diploma or equivalent. **Training & Standards require a high school equivalency diploma be at least partial classroom.
• Must possess or be able to obtain a North Carolina driver’s license.
• Must not have been convicted of a felony or serious misdemeanor.
• Must pass a reading comprehension exam and a physical ability/readiness test.
• Must live within 50 miles of downtown Durham (or willing to relocate upon being hired).

Special Requirements

• Must successfully complete the Detention Officer Certification Course (DOCC) within one (1) year of employment.

Durham County Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer