WHAT IS A DETENTION OFFICER? The detention officer, who works for the sheriff’s department, performs specialized law enforcement work in the care and security of inmates the county jail.
WHAT DOES AN OFFICER DO? An officer has the following duties:
Admits prisoners to the county jail and ensures inmates are properly booked and searched Patrols entire jail area to prevent escapes and maintain order Prepares and transports inmates to and from court, visitations or medical appointments
Inspects the cleaning of jail to meet requirements of state and local officials
Supervises inmate trustees performing various duties, such as serving meals to inmates
DETENTION OFFICER QUALIFICATIONS A detention officer must meet the following qualifications:
U.S. Citizen
High school diploma or GED required
BRAND BUSINESS your WITH STICKIES • Exclusive front cover placement • Targeted mailbox delivery • Competitive pricing
At least 18 years old Possession of a valid driver’s license Must attain certification by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement as a jailer within one year of employment JOINING THE TEAM The Dallas County Sheriff’s Office is looking for qualified candidates to work as detention officers, deputy city marshals and senior police dispatchers. Information is provided at www.governmentjobs.com/careers/dallas. Amenities include: Retirement benefits Medical, vision and dental benefits
Paid vacation and sick leave Employee wellness program $23+ per hour starting pay for detention officers
Employee assistance program
SOURCES: COLLIN, DALLAS, DENTON AND TARRANT COUNTIES/COMMUNITY IMPACT
the Texas Commission on Jail Stan- dards, which comes with a required level of staffing per inmate, Brown said. If the staff does not reach that level, employees must work over- time to meet that state requirement. “We have to get creative,” she said. Tarrant County has experienced its own set of challenges because of staffing shortages. In August, Tarrant County sent 432 inmates from its county jail to a private jail near Lubbock because of a staffing shortage and planned maintenance this year, according to county commissioner agendas. Tarrant County commissioners approved an $18 million contract with Giles W. Dalby Correctional Facility for the inmate transfer. Staffing incentives The local sheriff’s departments have turned to recruiting, incentive pay and other perks to help fill in the staffing holes. “I regularly speak with other
sheriffs and their senior supervi- sors about recruiting, retention and morale in my role as the chair of the Government Affairs Committee for the National Sheriffs’ Association,” Skinner said. “Many counties use various incentives, including com- pensation, recruiting or retention pay, employment and retirement benefits, and training and educa- tional benefits, to improve their situations.” Despite staffing shortages, Skinner still wants people who are right for the job. “These professions take commit- ment and resolve,” he said. “We want the right people. We plan, train and budget for them. We are very selec- tive about who we select, given the enormous responsibility that they are given in keeping our citizens and communities safe.”
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM/ADVERTISE (866) 989-6808
For more information, visit communityimpact.com .
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LAKE HIGHLANDS - LAKEWOOD EDITION • FEBRUARY 2023
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