ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
- Under the direction of the Lieutenant, supervises detention officers, oversees detention operations for assigned shift, and assists command staff, as assigned.
- Plan, organize, and coordinate the responsibility of detention officers; ensure staff are trained and follow proper security procedures, established policies, regulations, and guidelines relative to the operation of the facility in the processing, care and detention of detainees.
- Oversee the safety and security of staff, detainees, and visitors of the detention facility to ensure a safe and secure environment. Inspects the detention facility for proper safety and security.
- Recommend personnel actions as appropriate to provide an effective working environment. Reviews work records of detention officers to evaluate efficiency and suitability for assignments; recommends to Lieutenant disciplinary measures as indicated by policy; participates in evaluation, hiring and training processes
- Interprets and applies personnel policies, departmental policies, and other relevant policies and procedures.
- Assists in establishing and implementing systems and procedures for the booking, care, detention, release and transport of prisoners.
- Coordinate movement and activities of detainees including intake and release, court hearings, programs, and work details.
- Coordinates the transport of prisoners to and from detention, doctor's appointments, hospital, court, and other agencies.
- Schedule, conduct, and evaluate emergency preparedness drills to ensure proper procedures are in place.
- Reviews, prepares, and processes a variety of reports related to detention operations.
- Document all activity during a shift, brief on coming shift, and coordinate unscheduled detainee supervision details.
- Performs all duties of a Detention Officer as required.
- Notify command staff of serious incidents; provide information and respond to complaints regarding detention services and programs.
OTHER DUTIES:
- Maintains a healthful and secure environment for the detainees housed in the Detention Center in accordance with established policies, regulations and procedures.
- Ensures that accurate records of detainee incarceration, property, cell assignments, movements, mail and visitations are maintained.
- Assists in the movement of detainees throughout the Center.
- Performs pat down and strip search of detainees in dorms or cells; performs shakedowns as directed.
- Inspects locks, windows, bars, grills, doors and gates for tampering.
- Observes conduct and behavior of detainees to prevent disturbances and escape or infraction of rules and regulations.
- Employs reasonable force when necessary to maintain order among detainees or to remove an detainee from a specific area.
- Patrols Center for evidence of forbidden activities, infraction of rules and unsatisfactory attitudes or adjustment of detainees and reports such observations to supervisors.
- Receives and records bonds and fines.
- Must complete and pass all training requirements, all in a specific period of time, including CPR, self-defense, and other training as required by Warden.
- Performs duties specifically assigned and any post orders at the Lea County Detention Center; follows chain of command.
- Shift work is required; rotation of shifts may be required; irregular hours and overtime may also be required.
- A sergeant may be assigned to an adult section or juvenile section as needed. No supervisor is guaranteed work in just one section or for just one shift to the exclusion of the others.
- Maintains confidentiality and security for special assignments.
- Must maintain a telephone for 24-hour use.
- May be called on to provide testimony in courts of law. May be required to participate in or prepare cases for internal hearings.
- Must attend all scheduled staff meetings, training, etc., as directed by supervisors.
- May be required to work a post if Center is shorthanded.
- The functions of a Detention Sergeant are not limited to those set forth above. The employee will perform such functions, duties or assignments as given by a supervisor, consistent with ability, background and expertise.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education:
- High School diploma or GED required.
- Post-secondary training in law enforcement, corrections or public safety preferred.
- Specialized training in law enforcement or corrections highly recommended.
Experience:
- Must be at least 21 years of age.
- Must demonstrate acceptable and stable work record.
- Experience in law enforcement and corrections highly desirable.
Certifications, Skills and Licenses:
- Valid New Mexico driver's license.
- Ability to communicate orally and in writing in English.
- Computer literacy preferred.
- Considerable knowledge of principles, practices, and techniques of modern detainee care, custody and control, and related state, federal, and department laws, rules, regulations, standards, and policies governing the operation of detention facilities and courtrooms.
- Considerable knowledge of local, state, and federal laws governing the criminal justice system.
- Considerable knowledge of crowd control defense and restraint tactics and communication procedures.
- Considerable knowledge of behavior patterns, legal rights, discipline protocols, and grievance procedures of detainees.
- Working knowledge of leadership and supervisory principles, practices, and techniques.
- Considerable knowledge of the operation of Sally port controls, cell locks, and control panels commonly used in a secure facility.
- Working knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations governing personnel management.
- Working knowledge of first-aid and CPR principles and skill in training others in their application.
- Skill in the application of supervisory techniques.
- Skill in interviewing and interrogation methods and techniques.
- Ability and willingness to supervise the work of others.
- Ability to train others in all aspects of job duties and responsibilities.
- Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing with diverse populations.
- Ability to analyze issues, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions, and implement recommendations in support of goals.
- Ability to work in a correctional environment and maintain professionalism at all times.
- Ability to handle multiple tasks and smoothly and rapidly shift between dissimilar tasks.
- Ability to supervise emergency situations, make effective decisions under stressful situations, and direct the use of physical force necessary for self-preservation and to protect others.
- Ability to detect potentially adverse or unsafe situations and react according to department policy.
- Ability to physically handle and control prisoners resisting detention.
- Ability to review, establish, and maintain accurate records of assigned activities and operations.
- Ability to use a two-way radio.
- Ability to properly use various restraining devices.
- Ability to safely and skillfully operate a motor vehicle.
- Ability to operate a computer and related software.
- Ability to work effectively with others.
- Ability and willingness to use weapons and to properly maintain them.
Physical Functions/Requirements:
The physical demands described here are representative and not necessarily exhaustive of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
- Ability to stand and/or walk for up to eight hours at one time, and eight to ten hours total per day.
- Ability to sit up to four hours at one time and eight hours total per day.
- Ability to crouch, kneel, bend at the waist and twist/rotate at the waist as needed to perform essential duties.
- Ability to work with arms extended or bent for up to four hours at one time and eight hours total per day.
- Ability to lift items weighing up to an estimated 40 pounds from ground to waist level frequently; items weighing up to an estimated 65 pounds occasionally.
- Must have vision correctable to 20/20 and no color blindness.
- Ability to buddy carry a detainee in case of emergencies.
- Must be able to physically restrain a detainee when necessary. Must be able to assist a disabled detainee in showering and other personal needs.
- Ability to climb and descend stairs several times a day and on a daily basis.
- Ability to carry approximately 8 lbs. on waist all day.
- Ability to push or pull a disabled detainee in a wheelchair.
- Ability to grasp and manipulate objects in order to perform essential duties such as writing; depressing buttons, switches and keyboard components; operating controls and consoles; and similar functions.
- Ability to drive a vehicle with automatic transmission on an occasional basis.
Mental Functions/Requirements:
- Must be able to understand and follow oral directions and instructions.
- Must be able to read, understand and follow written directions and instructions.
- Must be able to give oral and written directions and instructions.
- Must be able to communicate with detainees.
- Must be able to use sound judgment in helping to determine level of incarceration for each detainee and in responding to emergency situations.
- Must possess basic math skills to deal with money and bonding procedures.
- Must be able to learn to operate a computer for documentation and recording purposes.
- Must be able to work under extreme circumstances at times and under pressure and stress most of the time.
- Must be able to effectively safeguard confidential information.
- Must be able to use tact and courtesy in working with a wide range of individuals, including the public, often under tense circumstances.
- Must be knowledgeable of relevant traffic laws and regulations.
Other:
- Ability to perform essential duties and adapt to working conditions.
- No history or pattern of reckless driving, DWI or irresponsible driving in the last five years.
- Must have no felony or misdemeanor convictions involving moral turpitude, violence, illegal drug distribution or dishonesty.
- Must be bondable.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative but not necessarily exhaustive of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
- Performs work mainly indoors; however, outdoor work may be required on certain assignments such as during detainee recreational periods and transportation.
- Indoor work is performed in a controlled temperature environment; however, may be exposed to natural weather conditions while on outdoor duty.
- Indoor work is generally performed on an even tiled or concrete surface which is normally dry. May on occasion be wet, slippery or contaminated with body fluids, spilled food and other substances. Outdoor work may be performed on natural ground, asphalt or concrete surfaces which may be dry, wet, slippery or contaminated.
- Workers are exposed to poor ventilation due to enclosed conditions and may be exposed to unpleasant odors resulting from poor detainee personal hygiene. Performs work on flat hard surfaces. May be required to climb and descend stairs and use elevators while on duty.
- Work may be performed at any time during the 24-hour day depending on shift requirements.
- Some duties are performed alone, while other duties are performed as part of a team.
- Employee may be exposed to the following hazardous conditions: constantly subject to injury, death or hostage situations; exposed at all times to infectious diseases carried by detainees; constant high levels of mental, emotional and physical stress.
PRE-EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS:
- Interview
- Criminal record check
- General employment background check.
- Driving record check
- Alcohol/drug screen; positive results are disqualifying
- Physical and back x-ray in compliance with essential duties and physical and mental requirements.
- Polygraph - by certified polygraph operator; results may be disqualifying.
- Written and oral promotional board may be required.