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Detention Officer

STARTING MONTHLY SALARY: $3,551

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Requirements & Qualifications:

  • High school diploma or GED
  • Minimum age: 18 
  • Must reside within 30 statute miles of Kansas City, Missouri city limits during employment
  • Successful completion of medical, physical fitness, psychological evaluations, and CVSA test

Experience:

  • None required

Supervisory Responsibility:

  • None

Skills & Knowledge:

  • Must have good verbal skills, data entry skills, and a basic command of Microsoft Office applications
  • Ability to learn and operate computer hardware/software, mobile data devices, and 2-way radios
  • Ability to understand and respect diverse cultures and backgrounds
  • Capacity to handle disturbances
  • Strong judgment and decision-making skills in high-pressure situations
  • Integrity, honesty, and ethical behavior in all duties
  • Must successfully complete CPR, First Aid, and AED certifications after provided training

Physical, Cognitive, and Psychological Requirements:

  • Must meet department-established physical, cognitive, and psychological health standards
  • Must successfully complete physical defense training and be physically able and willing to restrain belligerent detainees  
  • Will have frequent contacts with violent, suicidal and mentally disturbed individuals and will be exposed to verbal abuse and physical confrontations from detainees on a regular basis
  • Exposure to communicable diseases and bodily fluids from detainees exists
  • Detention Officers stand for the majority of their work day (up to 8 hours) and occasionally sit to complete data entry
  • Lifting up to 5-20 pounds is frequent, and heavier lifting of up to 200 pounds may occur periodically

Access full job description here.

Essential Responsibilities

  • Process incoming arrests, including searching, inventorying property, verifying identity, and taking fingerprints and photographs of detainees.
  • Serve as booking officer, ensuring accurate detainee information, intake form completion, classification, and cell assignments. Maintain detainee count and cell locations.
  • Monitor detainee safety and security, provide food, hygiene products, and medical attention as needed, and summon emergency care when necessary.
  • Restrain and control aggressive detainees, staying calm under provocation, and adhering to department policies.
  • Work effectively in a stressful environment.
  • Interpret legal documents such as warrants and bond orders, making independent decisions in line with department procedures.
  • Ensure accuracy of data entered into the corrections management system and request corrections when needed.
  • Verify detainee identity and complete criminal history checks before release, in compliance with law and policy.
  • Handle money for bond payments following department procedures.
  • Manage detainee releases, including bond processing and transfers to other facilities.
  • Prepare detainees for court video arraignment, assist with the process, and ensure accurate information is provided to the court.
  • Maintain reliable attendance and flexibility for shift work, overtime, and holiday coverage.
  • Report pertinent information to supervisors.
  • Assist in training new detention officers and may serve as acting supervisor.
  • Maintain confidentiality of sensitive legal or personal information encountered in the role.