A detention officer is responsible for supervising detained or incarcerated inmates in state-run facilities like jails and prisons. They ensure inmates conduct themselves in a safe and orderly manner, observe and report questionable behavior to superior officers, and may be required to physically detain unruly inmates. They also escort inmates to and from the facility for transfers and court appearances. Detention officers are considered law enforcement officers and are responsible for the oversight and rehabilitation of inmates to ensure they follow the rules of the corrections facility and law
. Detention officers typically need at least a high school diploma or equivalent experience, qualifications, and skills. Depending on the facility or level of the role, such as at a federal prison, a bachelor’s degree in a field like criminal justice may be required. Prospective employees are usually required to pass an extensive background check and physical fitness training to qualify for employment
. Some of the general duties of a detention officer include booking suspects, fingerprinting inmates, escorting prisoners to and from cells, searching inmates and prisoners, inspecting housing cells, supervising inmate meals, and using restraints in inmate custody control situations
. For example, the Detention Officer I position in Union County, North Carolina, involves performing a variety of law enforcement duties in the care, custody, and security of all prisoners in the Union County Jail. The role also includes responsibilities such as gathering inmates for video arraignment, responding to assaults between inmates and attacks against officers, and completing supervision rounds as stated in Jail Policy and North Carolina Detention Facility Code 14J
. In summary, a detention officer is a law enforcement officer responsible for supervising detained or incarcerated inmates in correctional facilities, ensuring their safety and security, and overseeing their rehabilitation.
