How to become A Detention Officer

Tasked with one of the most challenging and unacknowledged responsibilities in today’s world, Detention Officers strive to keep safe prison inmates ranging from the unwitting accomplice to the hardened criminal, at huge risk to their physical, mental and emotional well-being.

• Prison Officer 
• Penal Officer 
• Jailer 
• Jail Guard 
• Prison Guard

What do Detention Officers do?

A Detention Officer would typically need to:

• Ensure the care, safety and security of the inmates and personnel of the detention facility as well as the facility itself
• Receive and process inmates into the custody of the facility; apply or remove restraints, as the situation demands
• Collect photos and fingerprints of the inmates; fill out their medical records
• Search inmates and make sure their personal property is in safe custody; keep an accurate record of any cash belonging to the inmates
• Educate the inmates on the rules and regulations of the facility; provide them with an opportunity to call their attorney or a loved one
• Maintain open lines of communication with the inmates; respond to their enquiries and grievances in a fitting manner
• Patrol the premises regularly to ensure security and maintain order; conduct random cell searches during every shift and record the activity
• Safeguard inmates in their cells; execute strip searches as per policy and legal statutes
• Supervise inmate workers; respond to, investigate and discipline violent altercations between inmates and assaults on officers
• Keep watch over the inmates during meals, exercise and other activities to ensure adherence to the rules, regulations and procedures of the facility
• Help move aggressive inmates to better-secured areas within the facility
• Distribute personal hygiene and cell-cleaning products; confirm the cells are well maintained
• Dispense medication to inmates, as prescribed and check on their physical condition
• Ensure juvenile offenders have access to appropriate psychological counselling and treatment
• Follow the standard medical and legal protocol in emergency and non-emergency medical situations
• Ensure the delivery of healthy snack bags and special diet foods to such inmates as need them
• Supervise the transportation of inmates to medical and court facilities; escort the inmates to their cells
• Maintain routine records on the inmates; execute general clerical duties such as answering the phone and data entry, if necessary
• Manage visitation; inspect items brought into the jail; check incoming and outgoing mail; distribute inmate mail
• Prepare dockets for the court and release orders from the court; maintain court records and an updated list of inmates
• Arrange for video arraignment after verification of the requisite forms; interpret court documents to the inmates, if needed
• Release authorised information to bail bond agents, families, attorneys, court officials and other law enforcement personnel
• Attend shift/mandatory meetings and training related to medical emergency and disaster management
• Build rapport with the local community and respond to queries regarding safety and institutional policies while maintaining requisite confidentiality

Detention Officers divide their time between working at a desk or table in an office or patrolling the facility, which usually involves working outside in all sorts of weather conditions. Training may necessitate travel.

Detention Officers typically work full time in rotating shifts since correctional facilities function 24/7. In addition to putting in voluntary and mandatory overtime, you must also be ready to report to duty during an emergency.

Finding a new job might seem challenging. Detention Officers can boost their job search by using job search platforms and directly contacting correctional facilities or private companies that provide prison services to the government.

Detention Officers are generally employed by: 

• The Government
• Facilities Support Services

Professional associations and organisations, such as the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), are crucial for Detention Officers interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation. Membership in one or more adds value to your resume while bolstering your credentials and qualifications.

• Physical discomfort caused by walking, standing, running, climbing, reaching, bending, stooping, kneeling, crawling and jumping for varying lengths of time
• The need to defend oneself from assault while overpowering and restraining aggressive and mentally unstable inmates of differing weights
• High probability of litigation due to performance of duties
• Strict work regulations and constant interruptions that impede the smooth execution of daily responsibilities
• Exposure to a variety of weapons, sharp objects, bodily fluids, drugs and drug paraphernalia, infectious diseases and loud noises

As a rule, Detention Officer trainees undergo training in an authorised academy in areas such as self-defence, use of force and restraints, weapons, institutional policies, defusing hostility and interpersonal communication.

In recent years, crisis intervention, gang awareness, hostage negotiation, suicide prevention, drug abuse training and rapid response training have begun to be included in the program.

Prior work experience in law enforcement or detention setting as a correction officer, for example, is useful. Applicants who have earlier worked as security officers or cashiers also stand a chance of being selected, provided they fulfil all other conditions.

Read about the profession, perform community service, undertake relevant research work and interview/ job shadow experts working in law enforcement to prove your commitment to course providers and prospective employers.

Any physically-fit individual over 18 is eligible to become a Detention Officer provided they have at least a high school diploma, GED (General Education Development) or associate degree. However, most employers prefer candidates with a bachelor’s degree in criminology, criminal justice and psychology.

Focus on physical education, English, civics, psychology and maths in high school.

Check with prospective employers if you need to acquire a Detention Officer or Basic Law Enforcement Certification. You may be allowed to obtain it within a year from the time of assignment.

In addition, certification in first aid, CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation), BLS (basic life support) and the use of AEDs (automated external defibrillator) from an objective and reputed organisation can help you stand out in a competitive job market.

Furthermore, accredited certification in entry-level networking and computer security should increase your chances of advancement.

Performance, experience, and the acquisition of professional qualifications drive the career progression of a Detention Officer. 

From Security Officer, you may be promoted as an Officer and eventually become a Senior Officer at the correctional facility. Lateral movement into other law enforcement careers such as Deputy Sheriff or County Sheriff is also possible.

Candidates with a relevant bachelor’s degree, desirable certifications and prior work experience in detention facilities have the best job prospects.

Continuing professional development (CPD) will help an active Detention Officer build personal skills and proficiency through work-based learning, a professional activity, formal education, or self-directed learning. CPD is also essential for the regular renewal of required certifications and licences.

Law enforcement seminars, workshops, and interactive instructional sessions will help you better understand policing strategies and keep pace with evolving policing strategies and criminal laws and trends.

Detention Officers who pass a week-long physically demanding course may be eligible to join crisis resolution teams tailored to the prison setting. 

Such educational activities and on-the-job training programs are usually sponsored by one’s employer, who also takes care of the employee’s safety through regular administration of tuberculosis, hepatitis A and B or any other mandatory shots.

Community outreach activities and public education initiatives will promote a stronger relationship with the community and foster respect for the law.

In The Process Of Recruiting

The recruitment and selection process may include a standardised written test, oral interview, comprehensive criminal background check as well as physical and psychological evaluations. 

Applicants with sound eyesight, hearing and physical fitness will be put through wide-ranging physical and situational tests that assess their ability to carry out their duties effectively under dangerous and stressful circumstances. 

An employment background check can include but is not limited to a person’s work history, education, credit history, motor vehicle reports (MVRs), criminal record, medical history, use of social media and drug screening.

Detention Officers vs Correctional Officers

Detention Officers usually work in smaller facilities and have more responsibilities but interact with less violent inmates in comparison with Correctional Officers who work exclusively with more aggressive convicted criminals in more extensive facilities. 

The original purpose of confining a person within a prison was not to punish them but to keep the criminal detained until the actual punishment was carried out.

You are not there solely to keep in line the inmates of a correctional facility; hopefully, your honesty and integrity in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges will inspire them to overcome their criminal tendencies. And therein lies the true value of a Detention Officer. 

The safety and security of the personnel and citizens is a huge responsibility. To effectively achieve that, you must learn to face life-threatening situations with patience and integrity.