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Detention Officer/Deputy

La Plata County
Durango, CO Full Time
POSTED ON 11/24/2025 CLOSED ON 1/4/2026

What are the responsibilities and job description for the Detention Officer/Deputy position at La Plata County?

Performs routine work in the safekeeping of prisoners in the custody of the Sheriff at the La Plata County Detention Facility. Protects the well-being of prisoners overseeing them at meals and in their quarters.

Essential functions may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, skills and other characteristics. The list that follows is not intended as a comprehensive list; it is intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed, and may be required to perform additional, position-specific tasks. Reasonable accommodations, as defined under the American with Disabilities Act, will be made when possible.

Secures all exterior and security doors in the facility by visually monitoring all movement of all people in the facility and controls movement utilizing the control board; controls all lights, alarms, elevators, and other override equipment; contacts outside agencies such as fire, EMS, etc. as needed; serves as central command post for emergency procedures in the event of fire, riot, etc.

Observes and controls inmate movement within the housing unit; conducts inmate searches for contraband; utilizes force and/or self-defense techniques as necessary to maintain order; provides first aid and CPR when necessary.

Monitors inmates' behavior and attitudes for signs of personality changes, depression, and developing conflicts between inmates; enforces the rules and guidelines for inmates which includes initiating disciplinary action when necessary; prepares and maintains records of inmates' physical or mental problems; delivers prescription and non-prescription medications.

Maintains records and prepares reports of inmates transported and returned to detention facility.

Reviews arresting officers paperwork for completeness before accepting incoming inmate; pat or strip searches inmates as necessary and required by guidelines to find contraband; inventories inmates clothing, personal property, and money; fingerprints and takes mug shot for verification by local, State, and Federal agencies; utilizes force and/or self-defense techniques to restrain disruptive or combative inmates; escort inmates staying in custody to property where they are searched, deliced, showered, and dressed in issued clothing.

Prepares and maintains records of daily activities on the computer in accordance with departmental policies and procedures; receives, opens, and inspects incoming mail.

Prepares and maintains accurate log entries detailing the services and daily routines; creates and maintains files on inmates recording the time/dates/reason for incarceration, any changes in the conditions or requirements of incarceration and the time/date/authority for release.

Supervises all movement in the facility; serves as first responder when there is a problem in a pod, fight, medical emergency, etc.; escorts inmates needing additional supervision or security; monitors radio traffic; supervises trustees in cleaning common areas and accounts for cleaning supplies used; conducts linen change in pod and assists medical officer when necessary.

Verifies inventory of inmates clothing, personal property, and money against written records; utilizes departmental guidelines to determine property items an inmate may take into housing and stores the other items to be returned upon release.

Verifies inmates ability to leave facility by utilizing the computer and written records from the facility, local, State, and Federal agencies and the courts; generates and completes release paperwork; sends copies to records and other agencies as required.

Maintains security of the clinic and the safety of the medical staff by monitoring all inmates coming into the clinic; conducts searches of the clinic and inmates attending the clinic for contraband.

Operates various technical equipment to monitor and control the activities of inmates and their visitors which includes controlling cameras, operating doors, elevators, showers and fire escape.

Serves as Rover patrolling halls and monitoring inmates' movement; ensures inmates arrive at desired destinations as scheduled; serves as first responder to disturbances; assists officers assigned to a pod.

Supervises meal delivery, pick-up and tray return; removes trash from the facility; ensures inmates with special menus receive correct tray; notes inmates refusing meals.

Conducts inmate head counts; monitors activities of suicidal inmates, violent inmates, and trouble causing felons; monitors inmates during visitation and recreation periods.

Ensures all inmates are accounted for at all times; prevents inmate escapes, introduction and /or passing of contraband and prevents the assault or injury of inmates and staff; ensures that each inmate receives their meals, clothing changes, mail, opportunity for exercise, etc. as set forth in departmental policy.

Prepares written reports on incidents occurring inside the facility with includes the actions/use of necessary force by the officers to be utilized in criminal prosecutions, defense against lawsuits, disciplinary procedures against inmates and at time for internal affair investigations.

Prepares reports detailing operational problems such as defective equipment, suggestions for improving services, or hazardous conditions.

Answers inmates questions regarding the rules and regulations of the facility, provides information regarding the booking process, bond amounts, and charges, etc.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Regular and predictable attendance is required.

Material And Equipment Used

Computer, Two-Way Radio, Camera, Restraint Equipment, Monitors, Control Panels, Vehicle, General Office Equipment

Education

High School diploma or GED; or,

Any combination of education, training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Licenses And Certifications

Valid State Driver's License

CPR and First Aid Certified

Knowledge Of

Laws pertaining to the custody of prisoners.

Security of buildings and grounds, and of the rules and regulations governing entrances and exits.

Computer applications related to the work.

All applicable state, federal and local laws, rules and regulations.

Recordkeeping, report preparation, filing methods and records management techniques.

Health and safety practices in dealing with inmates and detention facility.

Skill In

Using tact, discretion, initiative and independent judgment within established guidelines.

Communicating clearly and effectively, orally and in writing.

Mental And Physical Abilities

Ability to evaluate and report inmate behaviors.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of individuals.

Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely orally and in writing.

Ability to detect and report conditions which might indicate danger.

Ability to react quickly and calmly under emergency conditions.

Ability to display sound judgment in making work decisions.

Ability to work under adverse conditions of violence, danger, and emotional stress.

Ability to understand and follow a variety of simple or complex instructions in written, oral, diagram or schedule form.

Ability to recognize danger and take immediate action necessary for the protection of life and property.

Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operation and maintenance instructions, procedure manuals, and so forth.

Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.

Ability to physically restrain uncooperative inmates.

Ability to use physical strength of arms and legs to climb up and over or to jump over, across, ascend, or descend large obstacles.

Ability to subdue suspects in a physical confrontation.

Ability to push or pull self through openings of varying nature by using the necessary upper or lower body strength of the arms or legs.

Ability to run up or down stairways or respond to other incidents.

While performing the essential functions of this job the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, reach with hands and arms, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, stoop, kneel crouch or crawl, speak and hear, and lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

While performing the essential functions of this job the employee is occasionally required to lift and/or move up to 100 pounds.

Non-Discrimination and Affirmative Action Statement

La Plata County prohibits discrimination against or harassment of any person employed or seeking employment with La Plata County on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, national origin, disability, veteran status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status or genetic information.

La Plata County is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer. La Plata County takes affirmative action to assure equal employment opportunity for protected classes, persons with disabilities and for covered veterans. Covered veterans include: special disabled veterans, recently separated veterans, Vietnam era veterans, or any other veterans who served on active duty during a war or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge was authorized.

Inquiries regarding La Plata County's equal employment opportunity policies may be directed to:

Director of Human Resources

1101 E 2nd Avenue

Durango, CO 81301

Tel: (970)382-6361

Fax: (970)375-7985

Email: HR@co.laplata.co.us

Salary.com Estimation for Detention Officer/Deputy in Durango, CO
$92,543 to $119,144
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