Booking Officer

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

The Booking Officer is responsible for completing and maintaining various records to book and process prisoners. This position plays a role in police services by managing various tasks, which include processing and booking inmates into the jail computer system, as well as verifying paperwork, logs, and police reports for accuracy. The primary responsibilities of this role encompass booking new inmates, overseeing the well-being of current inmates, and handling daily paperwork. Duties are performed in accordance with established policies and procedures. Tact and firmness are required in dealing with inmates. The employee is required to exercise alertness and independent judgment in dealing with unusual situations. The employee is exposed to the hazards of law enforcement detention work. Work is performed under general supervision and is evaluated through observation, review of records and on-site inspections.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

This list is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills, and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate.

• Prepares reports to document arrest information such as name, address, charge, arresting officer, etc.
• Fingerprints and searches prisoners.
• Records and maintains security of personal property of prisoners and seals property in envelope.
• Monitors arrestees using computer-based information system to ensure timely processing of prisoners in accordance with procedural requirements.
• Answers inquiries to explain procedures, give status of individuals, verify information, and processing of prisoners.
• Checks inmates in cells to assure prisoners' well-being and adherence to regulations and rules.
• Inspects and cleans detention rooms for cleanliness and sanitation.
• Observes safety regulations and communicates potential safety hazards.
• Conducts comprehensive searches to identify and address any contraband or security concerns.
• Manages court-related matters concerning inmates, ensuring their timely appearances in court, as required.
• Attends to individual inmate needs, including medical attention, food, medication, and other personal concerns.
• Facilitates the timely release of inmates, adhering to the specific requirements of each case, whether it involves releasing them to the public or transferring them to a larger jail facility.
• Receives verbal pass down information from the previous shift and prepares a detailed pass down report for the next shift.
• Regularly assesses the well-being of inmates and monitors the condition of jail facilities, to address any damages or issues promptly.
• Reviews police reports to ensure accuracy and completeness before they are submitted to the court's document repository ("court black box").
• Demonstrates continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and works cooperatively and jointly to provide quality seamless customer service.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Regular, reliable, and non-disruptive attendance is an essential function of this position, as is the ability to create and maintain professional, harmonious working relationships with others.

Additional Requirements:

• Shift work with weekends and some holidays.
• Must be a United States Citizen, be able to read, write and speak the English language.
• Applicant must successfully pass an oral interview, criminal background check, Polygraph examination, Psychological, pre-employment functional exam and Physical and Drug Screen examination.
• Applicant cannot have been convicted of or received deferred adjudication for a Class A or Felony offense, or Class B Offense within the past 10 years.
• Some positions will require the performance of other essential and marginal functions depending upon assignment.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED & EXERCISED

• General supervision is received from the Booking Division Sergeant (Support Services Chain of Command to include the Deputy Administrator.)
• This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

QUALIFICATION GUIDELINES

Knowledge of:

• Local laws, ordinances and State statutes pertaining to the commitment, confinement and release of prisoners.
• Practices and procedures involved in jail management.
• Modern office practices and equipment.

Ability to:

• Maintain discipline and order in the detention facility.
• Maintain courteous relationships with families of inmates, attorneys and other persons concerned with the welfare of individual prisoners.
• Remain calm and exercise judgment in making decisions in emergency situations.
• Maintain the confidentiality of sensitive information.

Education & Experience:

High School diploma or equivalent; or six (6) months of related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Licenses, Certificates & Registrations:

Must be able to receive Texas Crime Information Center Certification.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The employee is frequently required to stand over extended periods. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, considerable walking, some bending, stooping and squatting.

WORKING CONDITIONS

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

SAFETY SENSITIVITY

This position is classified as a safety-sensitive position due to the following:

The employee is responsible and entrusted with their own or other people's safety.