Detention Officer

2024-2025 Salary Grade: 64

Salary Range – As of July 1, 2024

Hiring Rate $42,577  Mid-Point $55,351

Starting annual salary for this position is $44,706

If hired, an educational incentive of $2,000 more annually will be added to the starting salary if applicant holds an Associate’s Degree and $4,000 more annually if applicant holds a Bachelor’s Degree.

• Reduced cost for health insurance, vision, and free dental
• Local government retirement
• 401-K supplemental retirement with county contributions
• 11 paid holidays annually
• Earned vacation and sick leave
• Promotional opportunities as performance and training allows.

A Detention Officer with the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office works in the Detention Center on 12-hour shifts on a rotating schedule to include day shifts and night shifts. This position requires daily contact with and management of inmates. Some of these duties include but are not limited to :

• This position requires daily contact with and management of inmates.
• Performing physical searches on inmates to include pat down searches and strip searches.
• Detention Officers must have the ability to effectively communicate with inmates, the public, other Detention Officers and Deputies.
• Conducting visual and audio surveillance for extended periods of time on multiple computer screens
• Escorting inmates with and without the use of handcuffs and other restraints.
• Officers must be able to use physical force when necessary to gain control of inmate(s).
• Officers must process inmates to include taking their photographs, obtaining fingerprints, entering data, and processing property.
• Detention Officers must have the ability to communicate in a court setting.
• Engage in functions in confined areas such as serving food and assisting with needs as they arise.
• Detention Officers must be able to walk on foot patrol while physically checking doors, windows and other areas to ensure they are secure.
• Must demonstrate the ability to recognize abnormal behavior and take appropriate action such as suicide prevention.
• Complete required continuing education to maintain certifications.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Applicants for this position must have the ability to remain focused under stressful situations and be able to multi-task.

• Applicants must have the ability to exert moderate physical effort.
• Typically involving some combination of walking, standing, reaching, bending, stooping and kneeling.
• Work may involve lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of moderate weight.

• Graduation from high school documented by a diploma or transcript.
• After hired, Applicant will be provided with the proper training to work in the Detention Center, to include a 180-Hour Detention Officer Certification Course.
• Previous years of experience in the area of Detention will be recognized when establishing salary.