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What is a detention officer and how to become one
A detention officer processes inmates, maintains jail security, serves meals, transports inmates, receives and processes inmates into custody of institutions, searches prisoners, and takes charge of personal property and provides inmates with opportunity to call their attorney or relative. They advise inmates on institutional rules and regulations, patrol jail area periodically to ensure security, maintain order, and transport inmates to medical, court, or related facilities. They supervise inmates during meals, personal hygiene, and related activities, escort and safeguard inmates into cells, and check on their physical condition.
A detention officer should have the ability to enforce institutional rules firmly and fairly, detect potential behavior problems in inmates, detect the early symptoms of common health conditions, and carry out oral and written directions accurately. They should have the ability to supervise the activities of large groups of inmates, prepare records and reports, and establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates.
Detention officers average a salary of $18.72, which makes their annual salary $38,946. A high school diploma is sufficient to qualify you for this job. However, to improve your prospects at a better salary, getting an associate's degree is a good idea.
What general advice would you give to a Detention Officer?
Dr. Durmus Alper CAMLIBEL Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh
Avg. Salary $40,087
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth Rate -10%
Growth Rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 0.95%
Asian 2.03%
Black or African American 15.76%
Hispanic or Latino 19.38%
Unknown 5.27%
White 56.62%
Genderfemale 38.96%
male 61.04%
Age - 40American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 40Stress level is very high
7.1 - high
Complexity Level is challenging
7 - challenging
Work Life balance is fair
6.4 - fair
Detention Officer career paths
Key steps to become a detention officer
Explore detention officer education requirements
Start to develop specific detention officer skills
Skills 
Percentages Detention Facility 14.44% Direct Supervision 13.00% Booking 10.69% Law Enforcement 10.12% CPR 5.18% Complete relevant detention officer training and internships
Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New detention officers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a detention officer based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real detention officer resumes.Gain additional detention officer certifications
More About CertificationsDetention officer certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific detention officer certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.
The most common certifications for detention officers include Certified Corrections Officer (CCO) and First Aid, CPR and AED Instructor.
Research detention officer duties and responsibilities
- Train and manage officers of booking, procedures and computer knowledge skills and achieve significant improvements in their productivity.
- Manage booking area and process all non-English speaking detainees; streamline process and reduce confrontational situations through effective communication and leadership.
- Maintain certification in CPR, gun qualification, and any specialize training offer.
- Ensure that all require KYC documentation is on file before accounts are open.
Prepare your detention officer resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your detention officer resume.
You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a detention officer resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.
Choose From 10+ Customizable Detention Officer Resume templates
Build a professional Detention Officer resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Detention Officer resume.
Apply for detention officer jobs
Now it's time to start searching for a detention officer job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
- Browse job boards for relevant postings
- Consult your professional network
- Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
- Watch out for job scams
How Did You Land Your First Detention Officer Job
Are you a Detention Officer?
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Average detention officer salary
The average Detention Officer salary in the United States is $40,087 per year or $19 per hour. Detention officer salaries range between $29,000 and $54,000 per year.
What Am I Worth?
How do detention officers rate their job?
Detention Officer reviews
Accountability
Cert don't have to help work post when facilities are short..
I enjoy working with different officers from many places around the country. Working a 12 hour shift 4 days a week with 2 days off, makes the people you work with all like family. Enjoy seeing I/M's getting released.
Dirty officers, mistreatment of I/M's, lack of help from higher up management, being required to work days off because we can't keep staff.
Pay and benefits are good for a family provider. The friendships with fellow officers lasts a lifetime. With overtime, I earned in pay and benefits, $3.5 million. I retired at 59.
Political leaders will always find more ways to change prison from a justice system to a therapy community. Giving retirement like benefits to those who robbed your homes and stores, raped your children and wives, and broke your laws.
Updated January 8, 2025
