A detention officer is also known as a prison officer and is given the responsibility of looking after the security, safety and supervision of the prisoners residing in the jail or any other custody. The detention officer takes care of the prisoners while they await their turn for a trial. The food requirement, first aid or any other health care requirements are looked after a detention officer. The security of the jail or custody is also taken care of by the detention officer
Roles and Responsibilities
The Job Description of a Detention officer is detailed as mentioned below:
Roles of a Detention officer:
- Keep a continuous watch on the prison inmates.
- Look after admission of new prisoners.
- Makes sure the prison is secure.
- Taking care of law and order situation in the prison is the duty of the detention officer.
- Keeping an account of the number of inmates’ is also the duty of the detention officer.
- The detention officer is required to supervise the activities and report any suspicious activities.
- Solve any disputes or problems faced by prisoners.
Qualification and Skills Required
A Detention officer requires a high school diploma and some training in self-defense and fighting with different kinds of weapons. In addition, practical training is imparted about how to handle situations like riots, disturbances or fights
Skills required:
- A detention officer needs to communicate well.
- A detention officer should be able to handle stressful situations.
- Ability to listen patiently to the grievances of inmates and know how to be assertive when required.
- Ability to handle work pressure and manage time effectively is the necessary skill of a detention officer.
- Capable of paying careful attention to minute details forms the basic skill of a detention officer.
Professional Growth:
With an increasing rate of crime that is increasing rapidly the demand for detention officers is going to increase rapidly and it is supposed to increase by a good nine percent in the decade that commences from 2008 to 2018. An experienced detention officer can progress to the position of a correctional sear gent. After gaining further experience, a detention officer may be promoted to a warden.
