Detentions Deputy/Officer

La Plata County Sheriff's Office; Durango (CO); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

La Plata County Sheriff's Office in Durango, CO is seeking a detention deputy to supervise inmates, maintain order, and ensure the safety of staff and prisoners. This role involves monitoring movement, conducting searches, logging daily activities, and coordinating with medical and records personnel.

The ideal candidate has a High School diploma or GED and the ability to perform essential duties with discretion, accuracy, and physical stamina.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED is required.
• Any combination of education, training and experience providing required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Responsibilities

• Secure all exterior doors and monitor movement in the facility using control boards and alarms.
• Conduct inmate searches for contraband and assist with first aid or CPR when needed.
• Maintain logs and records of daily activities, incidents, transports, and releases.
• Monitor inmate behavior and enforce rules; prepare disciplinary actions when necessary.
• Supervise meal delivery, laundry, and inmate movement; escort inmates as required.
• Answer inmate questions about rules, bookings, bonds, and charges; perform other duties as assigned.

Education

High School diploma or GED

Any combination of education, training and experience

Job description

Performs routine work in the safekeeping of prisoners in the custody of the Sheriff at the La Plata County Detention Facility. Protects the well-being of prisoners overseeing them at meals and in their quarters.

Essential functions may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, skills and other characteristics. The list that follows is not intended as a comprehensive list; it is intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed, and may be required to perform additional, position-specific tasks. Reasonable accommodations, as defined under the American with Disabilities Act, will be made when possible.

Essential functions

• Secures all exterior and security doors in the facility by visually monitoring all movement of all people in the facility and controls movement utilizing the control board; controls all lights, alarms, elevators, and other override equipment; contacts outside agencies such as fire, EMS, etc. as needed; serves as central command post for emergency procedures in the event of fire, riot, etc.
• Observes and controls inmate movement within the housing unit; conducts inmate searches for contraband; utilizes force and/or self-defense techniques as necessary to maintain order; provides first aid and CPR when necessary.
• Monitors inmates' behavior and attitudes for signs of personality changes, depression, and developing conflicts between inmates; enforces the rules and guidelines for inmates which includes initiating disciplinary action when necessary; prepares and maintains records of inmates' physical or mental problems; delivers prescription and non-prescription medications.
• Maintains records and prepares reports of inmates transported and returned to detention facility.
• Reviews arresting officers paperwork for completeness before accepting incoming inmate; pat or strip searches inmates as necessary and required by guidelines to find contraband; inventories inmates clothing, personal property, and money; fingerprints and takes mug shot for verification by local, State, and Federal agencies; utilizes force and/or self-defense techniques to restrain disruptive or combative inmates; escort inmates staying in custody to property where they are searched, deliced, showered, and dressed in issued clothing.
• Prepares and maintains records of daily activities on the computer in accordance with departmental policies and procedures; receives, opens, and inspects incoming mail.
• Prepares and maintains accurate log entries detailing the services and daily routines; creates and maintains files on inmates recording the time/dates/reason for incarceration, any changes in the conditions or requirements of incarceration and the time/date/authority for release.
• Supervises all movement in the facility; serves as first responder when there is a problem in a pod, fight, medical emergency, etc.; escorts inmates needing additional supervision or security; monitors radio traffic; supervises trustees in cleaning common areas and accounts for cleaning supplies used; conducts linen change in pod and assists medical officer when necessary.
• Verifies inventory of inmates clothing, personal property, and money against written records; utilizes departmental guidelines to determine property items an inmate may take into housing and stores the other items to be returned upon release.
• Verifies inmates ability to leave facility by utilizing the computer and written records from the facility, local, State, and Federal agencies and the courts; generates and completes release paperwork; sends copies to records and other agencies as required.
• Maintains security of the clinic and the safety of the medical staff by monitoring all inmates coming into the clinic; conducts searches of the clinic and inmates attending the clinic for contraband.
• Operates various technical equipment to monitor and control the activities of inmates and their visitors which includes controlling cameras, operating doors, elevators, showers and fire escape.
• Serves as Rover patrolling halls and monitoring inmates' movement; ensures inmates arrive at desired destinations as scheduled; serves as first responder to disturbances; assists officers assigned to a pod.
• Supervises meal delivery, pick-up and tray return; removes trash from the facility; ensures inmates with special menus receive correct tray; notes inmates refusing meals.
• Conducts inmate head counts; monitors activities of suicidal inmates, violent inmates, and trouble causing felons; monitors inmates during visitation and recreation periods.
• Ensures all inmates are accounted for at all times; prevents inmate escapes, introduction and /or passing of contraband and prevents the assault or injury of inmates and staff; ensures that each inmate receives their meals, clothing changes, mail, opportunity for exercise, etc. as set forth in departmental policy.
• Prepares written reports on incidents occurring inside the facility with includes the actions/use of necessary force by the officers to be utilized in criminal prosecutions, defense against lawsuits, disciplinary procedures against inmates and at time for internal affair investigations.
• Prepares reports detailing operational problems such as defective equipment, suggestions for improving services, or hazardous conditions.
• Answers inmates questions regarding the rules and regulations of the facility, provides information regarding the booking process, bond amounts, and charges, etc.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Regular and predictable attendance is required.

MATERIAL AND EQUIPMENT USED

• Computer, Two-Way Radio, Camera, Restraint Equipment, Monitors, Control Panels, Vehicle, General Office Equipment

Education

High School diploma or GED; or,

Any combination of education, training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Licenses and Certificat