Detention Officer

Description

Written Examination - August 26, 2026

This position is responsible for supervising inmates at the city jail.

Major Duties

• Makes rounds of the jail to maintain security; checks locks, fences, alarms, and other security devices; monitors inmates for contraband and security violations.
• Receives and releases inmates being transferred to and from the facility; completes all required paperwork; books and classifies inmates; inventories inmate property.
• Sets and collects bond payments.
• Searches inmates for contraband.
• Performs count procedures for inmate accountability.
• Operates jail control room; monitors security cameras; locks and unlocks doors.
• Prepares required logs and reports.
• Serves inmate meals and administers medications.
• Administers inmate discipline.
• Monitors facility for maintenance, repair, and security issues and reports same to supervisor.
• Oversees inmate visitations.
• Directs the work of inmate trustees as assigned; directs the custodial maintenance of the facility; maintains supply inventory and reorders as needed; coordinates trustee background checks.
• Performs related duties.
  
  

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities Required By The Position

• Knowledge of inmate security principles.
• Knowledge of inmate supervision principles and practices.
• Knowledge of departmental and city policies and procedures and federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
• Knowledge of building security principles.
• Knowledge of tactical defense and restraint procedures.
• Skill in planning, organization and decision making.
• Skill in maintaining records and preparing reports.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Skill in the use of specialized security and safety equipment.
  
  

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

The Detention Sergeant assigns work in terms of general instructions. The supervisor spot-checks completed work for compliance with procedures, accuracy, and the nature and propriety of the results.

GUIDELINES

Guidelines include federal and state laws and city and department policies and procedures. These guidelines are generally clear and specific but may require some interpretation in application.

COMPLEXITY/SCOPE OF WORK

• The work consists of related duties in the provision of inmate security. The unique needs associated with each inmate contribute to the complexity of the position.
• The purpose of this position is to ensure the safety and security of inmates, personnel, and visitors. Successful performance contributes to the safety and security of inmates, employees, and the public.
  
  

CONTACTS

• Contacts are typically with co-workers, other city employees, inmates, and the public.
• Contacts are typically to give or exchange information, resolve problems, motivate persons, and provide services.
  
  

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The work is typically performed while intermittently sitting, standing, stooping, bending, crouching, or walking. The employee frequently lifts light and heavy objects, climbs ladders, uses tools or equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity, distinguishes between shades of color, and utilizes the sense of smell.
• The work is typically performed in a correctional facility and outdoors, occasionally in cold or inclement weather. The employee is exposed to noise, dirt, grease, machinery with moving parts, contagious or infectious diseases, or irritating chemicals. Work requires the use of specialized security and protective devices and equipment.
  
  

SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY

None.

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduation from a standard senior high school or GED equivalent, as recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE) or Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
• Recent experience as a Corrections/Detention Officer preferred.
  
  

CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT/PROMOTION/DEMOTION/TRANSFER

The City of Dothan’s Police Department will administer a polygraph examination to anyone hired/promoted/transferred into the Police Department. The examination will be a question and answer test that covers areas of your background, including but not limited to your employment application, employment history, and involvement in criminal activity, such as thefts and domestic violence, drug usage and participation in the distribution of illegal and legal prescription medications.

Necessary Special Requirements

• Possession of a valid operator driver’s license and an acceptable driving record (PBA 09/10/01).
• Applicant must be at least 18 years of age.
• An applicant for this position is subject to various background investigations up to and including a criminal, credit, past employment, and reference checks.
• Employees are required to submit to Drug and Alcohol testing in accordance with the City of Dothan policy which includes pre-employment and random tests for the duration of employment in this position. (PBA 08/13/12).
• Must meet the City of Dothan' employment physical standards which includes drug/alcohol testing.
  
  

Application / Examination

Qualified applicants will be evaluated based on training and experience as documented on their application. This evaluation will comprise 50% of the final grade. The written exam will comprise the other 50% of the final grade.

The written examination for the position of Detention Officer is scheduled for August 26, 2026

Candidates meeting the minimum qualifications will receive an email notification to self-schedule for the written exam. You MUST self-schedule online or you will not be allowed to take the test.

The content areas of the written examination, for the position of Detention Officer, includes the following:

Memory and Understanding Oral/Written Information

Reading Comprehension

Mathematical Ability

Written Communication

You will be allowed 2 hours and 20 minutes for completion of the examination. Once the examination begins, you will not be allowed to leave the room until you have completed the examination.

NOTE: An applicant on vacation is responsible for attending the examination on the date scheduled. An applicant falling under federally protected leave (i.e., FMLA, USERRA) is responsible for notifying the Personnel Department in writing no later than the closing date by emailing jobs@dothan.org.

Please advise us at the time of application if you will need assistance and/or accommodation to take this examination by emailing jobs@dothan.org.

An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer

The City of Dothan provides a diverse package of benefit programs:

• Vacation: 12 Vacation Days per calendar year
• Holidays: 12 Paid Holidays per calendar year
• Medical and Dental Insurance: Offered through Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Alabama. Rates vary based on coverage selected
• Retirement Plan: Administered through the Retirement Systems of Alabama
• Life Insurance: Administered through Unum Life. No cost for eligible employees
• Military Leave: up to 21 working days per calendar year with Military Orders
• Direct Deposit: Employees may elect to have their payroll check deposited directly into their bank account
• Employee Health Clinic: Industrial Nurse on duty for work related injuries and minor illnesses
  
  

Other benefits include: Cafeteria plan, Credit Union, Deferred Compensation plans, Employee Assistance Program, Physical Fitness Program, Jury Duty Leave and more.....

Note: All benefits are subject to eligibility requirements. Individuals are responsible for any related fees or charges that may apply.

01

Supplemental Questions: This information will be used to determine your placement on the employment register and if you meet the basic qualifications as listed on the job posting. Therefore, please give detailed descriptions of your job duties. You must thoroughly complete the Education and Work Experience sections of the application and the Supplemental Questions. Answer all questions as accurately and with as much detail as possible. Some questions request an explanation to support a "yes" answer. Your explanation should contain experience, education, etc., to show that you do possess whatever skill, knowledge or experience being addressed in the question. Employment and volunteer experiences used to answer any of the questions below must be listed on your application. If you use military experience to meet the experience requirements, do not give dates of your entire tour of duty. Rather, you should indicate on your employment application, the month and year you began performing these duties and the month and year you stopped.

• I have read and understand the above statement and will submit any required verification or supporting documents by the closing date of the advertisement.
  
  

02

Which best describes your highest completed level of education? Your education MUST be listed in the education section of your application in order to receive credit.

• None
• High School Diploma / GED
• Associates Degree
• Bachelors Degree
• Masters Degree or higher
  
  

03

Which best describes your recent (within the past 5 years) work experience WITH THE CITY OF DOTHAN?

• Public Safety Cadet
• Intern (with the Police Department)
• None
  
  

04

Which best describes your recent (within the past 5 years) work experience as a detention/correctional officer?

• No experience
• 0 - 0.9 year
• 1 - 1.9 years
• 2 - 4.9 years
• 5 - 9.9 years
• 10 - 14.9 years
• More than 15 years
  
  

05

List employer/s where you gained the experience in question #4. Employer(s) must be listed in both the work history section of your application and in your response below to receive credit. If none, type "N/A" in the space below. DO NOT INDICATE "SEE RESUME."

06

List examples of duties performed to support your answer in question #4. Employer(s) must be listed in the work history section of your application to receive credit. If none, type "N/A" in the space below. DO NOT INDICATE "SEE RESUME."

07

Will you be at least 18 years of age by the closing date of this advertisement?

• Yes, I am or will be at least 18 years of age by the closing date of this advertisement.
• No, I will not be at least 18 years of age by the closing date of this advertisement.
  
  

08

This is to certify that I have read and understand the Certification of Understanding & Condition of Employment/Promotion/Demotion/Transfer Form for this position with the City of Dothan, Alabama.

Click here to view form.

Failure to check "I Agree/Understand" discontinues the application process. (A signed form will be requested at time of hire, promotion, demotion, or transfer.)

• I Agree/Understand
• I Disagree
  
  

09

Since the age of 18, have you been convicted of a crime or any offense other than minor traffic violations, or do you currently have charges pending against you?

• Yes
• No
  
  

10

If yes, explain: If no, list "N/A".

11

Are you willing to work in a highly stressful environment on a daily basis?

• Yes
• No
  
  

12

Are you willing to work in an environment that exposes you to unknown and dangerous conditions such as intoxicated and/or violent arrestees, communicable diseases, and life threatening situations such as armed and/or violent arrestees?

• Yes
• No
  
  

13

Are you willing to work 12-hours shifts (6:00a.m. - 6:00p.m. and 6:00p.m. - 6:00a.m.) any day, including Saturdays, Sundays, and all holidays?

• Yes
• No
  
  

14

This position requires you pass a polygraph exam. Are you willing to take a polygraph?

• Yes, I am willing to take a polygraph test.
• No, I am not willing to take a polygraph test.
  
  

15

The starting pay rate for this position is $19.74/hour. Are you willing to work for $19.74/hour?

• Yes
• No
  
  

16

Do you have a valid operator driver's license and an acceptable driving record?

Click here to view the City of Dothan's Motor Vehicle Policy.

• Yes
• No
  
  

17

If yes, list state, number and expiration date. If no, list "N/A" Ex. AL 1234567; 10-05-2010

18

This position requires a written exam that will be administered Wednesday, August 26, 2026. If you meet the qualifications, you will be emailed an invitation to self schedule for the written exam. You MUST self-schedule in order to take the written exam.

• I understand and I WILL SELF-SCHEDULE by the deadline in order to take the written exam for this position.
• I will not self-schedule therefore I will NOT be allowed to test and I will not be considered for this position.
  
  

19

Note: Before submitting your application, be sure to review your application for completeness and accuracy. Your examination score will be based on the information you have provided on your application and this supplemental questionnaire. Failure to provide sufficient detailed information may result in your application being rejected or receiving a lower score. Therefore, it is important that you provide complete employment information to include the name of your employer, your official job title, dates of employment (from-to, month/year), hours worked per week, and a detailed description of your duties for each job listed on your application. Resumes are not accepted in lieu of the application or supplemental questionnaire.

• I understand that failure to provide sufficient detailed information may result in my application being rejected or receiving a lower examination score.
  
  

20

I understand that once my application has been submitted for this specific position that I WILL NOT be able to make any changes to it. Any changes to my master application will only be reflected in any future positions for which I may apply. Should I desire to have updated information included for this specific position I should contact the Personnel/Human Resources office at (334) 615-3180 for assistance.

• Yes
• No
  
  

21

Personnel Use Only

• Required Question