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What does a Detention Officer do?

Erin Oxendine
Erin Oxendine

A detention officer supervises individuals in a detention center who have been charged with a crime as well as people in jail awaiting trial. The officer has a variety of duties including working at the jail and driving prisoners to trials. Juvenile offender facilities, county correctional centers and maximum-security prisons employ most detention officers.

Individuals who are detention officers must meet certain requirements, including education and training. The requirements may vary slightly depending on the state or jurisdiction but most want the officer to have completed high school and be at least eighteen years of age. A detention officer has to be physically fit, have good health and pass a strenuous background check. Most prison systems have their own training program that potential officers must attend. Candidates who are serious about working in this field should consider getting criminal justice degrees and basic law enforcement certifications.

Detention officers often have backgrounds in law enforcement or the military.
Detention officers often have backgrounds in law enforcement or the military.

One type of job for a detention officer is a guard at a local jail. This officer is responsible for making sure the inmates are processed into the system and supervising the prisoners at all times. Officers sometimes have to break up fights, check for illegal substances and watch over inmates out on the yard.

Another type of detention officer job is a juvenile detention officer. Officers who work in these correctional facilities are in charge of the well-being and activities of youthful offenders. One task this professional has is to report suspicious or criminal behavior to the prison psychologists and warden. Other duties the officer has are ensuring the juvenile attends necessary classes and participates in rehabilitation programs.

Detention officers may be employed as guards in a jail.
Detention officers may be employed as guards in a jail.

Some detention officers’ primary responsibilities are guarding and assisting medical professionals who work in prison facilities. The officer monitors the inmates while they are getting treatment from the doctors and nurses. If the prisoner requires outside treatment from another facility, the officer will assist in the prison transport to and from the location. Detention officers trained specifically for this position also help dispense medication and take basic vital statistics.

In the United States, some detention officers work with juvenile defendants and offenders.
In the United States, some detention officers work with juvenile defendants and offenders.

Most detention officers are employed in dangerous facilities. Officers are at risk of sustaining injuries due breaking up inmate fights or getting into an altercation with the individual. People in this field have to work long hours and be available any day of the week, including weekends. Most officers work in shifts and may be assigned to mornings or nights.

Discussion Comments

Telsyst
This is a very stressful type of job in some instances. Some people can work this job for many years and excel at what they do, but some people are not cut out for it.

There is a lot to learn depending on where you are employed. Some institutions have strict guidelines and so there is a vast educational commitment to work there. This could be a good thing in some instances. Preparing for many varied situations may pay off in the end.

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    • Detention officers often have backgrounds in law enforcement or the military.
      By: kanvag
      Detention officers often have backgrounds in law enforcement or the military.
    • Detention officers may be employed as guards in a jail.
      By: andreykr
      Detention officers may be employed as guards in a jail.
    • In the United States, some detention officers work with juvenile defendants and offenders.
      By: Sascha Burkard
      In the United States, some detention officers work with juvenile defendants and offenders.
    • Detention officers may question suspects about a crime.
      By: donserhio
      Detention officers may question suspects about a crime.
    • Detention officers typically receive training on how to handle and fire hand guns.
      By: jurra8
      Detention officers typically receive training on how to handle and fire hand guns.
    • Juvenile detention officers often have a passion for helping teens and young adults.
      By: Vibe Images
      Juvenile detention officers often have a passion for helping teens and young adults.