Lieutenant- Detention Center

Doña Ana County; United States; On-site; USD 61,000 - 99,000; Full time

Job summary

Doña Ana County is seeking a Detention Center Supervisor to provide command and supervisory oversight of detention center operations and personnel. You will direct security activities, monitor intake and detainee movement, and ensure adherence to policies and legal requirements.

The role requires five years in detention settings, including supervisory experience, with multiple certifications to be completed within six months.

Qualifications

• Education: High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Experience: 5 years in a detention facility or similar program, including 2 years as a sergeant or supervisor.
• Licenses/Certifications: Valid driver’s license; CPR, First Aid, FORC, and Firearms certs within 6 months; CIT 2 and CPI training within 6 months.

Responsibilities

• Direct and monitor detention center operations, security activities, and personnel.
• Oversee intake, release, detainee movement, and related processes.
• Coordinate staffing, schedules, training, and coverage to maintain adequate staffing.
• Supervise Sergeants and Detention Officers; address performance and disciplinary issues.
• Oversee Booking, Dispositions, and Transport operations and ensure compliance.

Skills

Detention center operations

Security practices

Supervision of personnel

Emergency management

Communication

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Job description

Job Description PURPOSE SUMMARY.

Provides command and supervisory oversight of assigned detention center operations and personnel.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES.

This is a safety-sensitive position. 1. General Operations and Supervision Direct and monitor assigned detention center operations, security activities, and personnel to maintain safe, secure, and continuous facility operations. Oversee intake, release, detainee movement, activities, and related facility processes in accordance with established policies, procedures, and security standards. Ensure compliance with applicable County and Detention Center policies, procedures, regulations, operational standards, and legal requirements. Respond to and coordinate appropriate actions during emergencies, critical incidents, security concerns, and other significant operational events; communicate significant matters to command staff. Identify operational concerns, security risks, and emerging issues; take appropriate action and provide recommendations to command staff. Supervise Detention Sergeants, Detention Officers, and other assigned personnel; provide direction, coaching, and accountability for performance and compliance with operational expectations. Coordinate staffing assignments, schedules, leave, training, and operational coverage to maintain adequate staffing levels. Evaluate employee performance and address deficiencies through coaching, corrective action, or recommendations for discipline in accordance with established procedures and delegated authority. Review complaints, incidents, employee injuries, workers’ compensation matters, and other operational concerns; coordinate appropriate follow-up and documentation in accordance with established procedures. Review subordinate reports and documentation for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with established procedures; identify concerns and provide recommendations to command staff. Monitor detainee services, privileges, and facility practices to ensure compliance with established policies, procedures, and security standards. Participate in the development and implementation of operational procedures, practices, and improvements within assigned areas of responsibility. Serve as a liaison between assigned operations and command staff to support communication, coordination, and operational effectiveness. Participate in meetings, briefings, training, oral boards, promotional processes, and employee selection activities as assigned. If Assigned: Unit Managers & Shift Commanders Plan and monitor staffing levels, overtime budgets, schedules, and post assignments to support effective facility operations. Analyze daily, weekly, and monthly staffing and security requirements to ensure appropriate facility coverage. Assign personnel to specific sections and posts; monitor shift activities; and address short-term and long-term security concerns. Supervise assigned Sergeants and Detention Officers to ensure compliance with operational requirements. Represent administration during after‑hours operations and weekends. Respond to high‑profile media inquiries in accordance with administrative direction and established protocols. If Assigned: Booking Department Oversee Booking, Dispositions, and Transport operations, including intake, release, court attendance, and detainee transportation, to ensure compliance with established procedures and legal requirements. Perform and review sentence calculations and related documentation for accuracy. Oversee detainee transportation for court appearances, medical appointments, court‑ordered placements, and other authorized destinations. Prepare and review Booking Department reports and related documentation. Coordinate with other Lieutenant assignments to support continuity of detention center operations as needed. If Assigned: Classification Department Oversee the detainee classification process to support objective, consistent, and documented housing and separation decisions. Ensure detainees are processed through the classification system within required timeframes and in accordance with established procedures. Review authorized records, databases, court information, and other available information to support classification and housing decisions. Ensure classification staff develop detainee profiles and assign housing based on identified needs, risk factors, correctional history, behavioral history, current charges, and other authorized information. Oversee the preparation and processing of disciplinary actions, detainee grievances, and detainee work programs in accordance with established procedures. If Assigned: Training Department Plan, coordinate, and implement detention officer training programs, cadet academies, certification courses, and required policy or refresher training. Coordinate instructors, trainers, training schedules, records, and resources to maintain required certifications and compliance with applicable standards. Identify training needs and recommend programs or resources to address operational and regulatory requirements. Assist with recruitment, coordination, and maintenance of the Special Operations Response Team (S.O.R.T.) as assigned. Coordinate S.O.R.T. resources, provisions, training, and operational guidelines to support emergency response activities. If Assigned: Professional Standards Unit Respond to and review internal and external complaints involving alleged policy violations, misconduct, or performance concerns in accordance with established procedures. Review use‑of‑force incidents, logs, video records, accident reports, referrals, and related documentation for compliance with applicable policies and reporting requirements. Conduct or coordinate administrative inquiries and investigations involving alleged policy violations, administrative misconduct, or operational concerns in accordance with established procedures and delegated authority. Review investigative findings with the Detention Professional Standards Committee (DPSC) and provide recommendations regarding appropriate administrative or disciplinary action. Coordinate with Internal Affairs personnel regarding concurrent investigations or matters involving potential criminal violations. Participate in pre‑determination hearings and disciplinary proceedings and coordinate supporting evidence and witness information in accordance with established procedures.

QUALIFICATIONS.

• A. Education. High School Diploma or equivalent.
• B. Experience. Five (5) years of experience in a detention facility, correctional institute, or similar type program that dealt with the adjudication and incarceration of individuals in a confined and controlled environment; to include two (2) years minimum as a sergeant or equivalent supervisor role position in a detention facility, correctional institute, or similar type program as defined above.
• C. Education/Experience substitution. In accordance with County Policy. No substitution for required supervisory experience. No substitution for required education.
• D. Licenses/Certifications. Valid driver’s licence. Must maintain a valid driver’s licence and an acceptable driving record in accordance with County policy. CPR, First Aid, Controlled F.O.R.C.E, and Firearms certification is required within six (6) months of hire. Successful completion of CIT 2 and CPI training within six (6) months of hire.
• E. Other (e.g., post‑offer medical exam, polygraph, background check, driver’s licence record, etc.). Must undergo and pass pre‑employment background and driving record check; NCIC check, credibility/deception assessment, psychological exam, and medical/drug screening. Employees promoted internally must have successfully completed the Detention Center academy prior to appointment. External hires are required to attend and successfully complete the seven‑week academy.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED BY THE POSITION:

• Knowledge of: Detention center operations, security practices, and correctional principles.
• Applicable laws, regulations, policies, procedures, and professional standards governing detention operations.
• Principles and practices of personnel supervision, performance management, staffing, scheduling, and employee development.
• Detainee intake, release, movement, classification, housing, transportation, discipline, and grievance processes.
• Emergency management, critical incident response, risk assessment, and facility security practices.
• Administrative investigations, use‑of‑force review, evidence handling, and disciplinary processes.
• Report preparation, records management, documentation standards, and confidentiality requirements.
• undefined Skill in: Supervising, directing, and evaluating detention personnel.
• Coordinating staffing, schedules, assignments, resources, and daily facility operations.
• Assessing security, staffing, personnel, and operational risks and implementing appropriate responses.
• Responding to critical incidents, emergencies, conflicts, and other complex or sensitive situations.
• Interpreting and applying laws, policies, procedures, and operational standards.
• Reviewing reports, investigations, use‑of‑force incidents, and other documentation for accuracy and compliance.
• Communicating operational information, recommendations, and decisions effectively with employees, command staff, administration, and external stakeholders.
• undefined Ability to: Coordinate and oversee assigned shift, section, or functional area operations to maintain safety, security, accountability, and continuity of services.
• Make sound, timely, and objective decisions in routine, emergency, and rapidly changing situations.
• Analyze information from multiple sources and develop appropriate recommendations or courses of action.
• Hold employees accountable for performance, conduct, and compliance with established standards.
• Conduct or oversee sensitive investigations and disciplinary processes with objectivity, confidentiality, and procedural fairness.
• Manage multiple priorities and adapt to changing operational conditions and organizational needs.
• Communicate effectively and maintain professional working relationships with employees, detainees, command staff, outside agencies, and other stakeholders.
• Maintain composure, exercise discretion, and demonstrate sound judgment in stressful or confrontational situations.

Compensation Range $60,902.40 - $99,340.80

Doña Ana County is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. It is our policy to abide by all federal and state laws prohibiting employment discrimination on the basis of a person’s race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, disability, serious medical condition, genetic information, ancestry, spousal affiliation, gender identity, sexual orientation or any other unlawful criteria, except where a reasonable Bona Fide Occupational Qualification exists. Doña Ana County will make reasonable accommodation(s) for the known physical or mental limitations of an applicant with a disability, upon request, unless the accommodation(s) would cause an undue hardship on the operation of the County. Please see http://www.donaanacounty.org/ada/ for our Public Notice and to get the Testing/Interview Accommodation Request Form or call 575-647-7210 for assistance.