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Detention Officer

Johnston County
Smithfield, NC Full Time
POSTED ON 12/11/2025
AVAILABLE BEFORE 2/11/2026
The Detention Center of Johnston County in Smithfield, NC is currently accepting online applications for Detention Officers. This position will be required to work nights and weekends.

The Detention Officer receives inmates and conducts searches for contraband; completes required intake forms; and secures personal property.

The Detention Officer acts as a processing officer by maintaining inmate information, verifying the completion of necessary forms; assigning appropriate cell location; determining inmate classification; and maintaining inmate count and cell locations.
  • Oversees the security and activities of inmates; supervises meals and cleaning of facilities; distributes personal property; monitors inmates' medical status and takes actions when illness or injury is suspected.
  • Provides non-confidential inmate information to the public, attorney, and bond personnel; maintains files on inmates; searches incoming property delivered to inmates; verifies visitor acceptance by inmate.
  • Releases inmates on bond due to court order or time served; ensures release papers are proper and complete; returns personal property to individual; completes forms providing required documentation of release.
  • Supervises cleaning and maintenance of center facilities and fixtures. 
Additional Duties
  • Supervises cleaning and maintenance of Detention Center and fixtures.
    Coordinates the prisoner commissary program.

  • Performs related clerical work.

  • Performs related work as required.


  • Working knowledge of policies and procedures covering inmate security, classification, care, and discipline.
  • Ability to exercise sound judgment in routine and emergency situations.
  • Ability to work in a confining work environment.
  • Ability to deal tactfully and firmly with inmates and the public.
  • Ability to prepare and maintain accurate records.
  • Ability to maintain effective working relationships with supervisor, other employees, and the public.
  • Ability to actively listen to inmate conversations and sounds in the facility and exercise judgment in determining potential security problems. 

Physical Requirements
  • Must be able to physically perform the basic life operational functions of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, reaching, standing, walking, talking, hearing, and perform repetitive motions.

  • Must be able to perform work exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

  • Must possess the visual acuity to determine accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness of the work assigned.

 
  • Must be 21 years of age.
  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Must be able to pass a background investigation. 
Special Requirements
  • Meet the minimum standards set by the State of North Carolina for detention personnel.

  • Employees in this class must be certified by the Sheriff's Training and Standards Commission within one year of employment.



Salary : $55,370 - $93,682

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