Pay
$47,088 to $79,584$47,088.00 - $79,584.00 Annually
Closes
ContinuousContinuous
Bonus
None stated
Laterals
Not stated
In the posting's words
The sentences our figures come from.The starting salary for a Detention Officer I is $47,088.High school diploma or GED and minimal experience working in a detention center or security position, or equivalent combination of education and experience.Certification as a detention officer by the North Carolina Sheriffs Training and Standards Commission.The posting
From GovernmentJobs.com · read Oct 1, 2026 · originalWILSON COUNTY JOB DESCRIPTION
JOB TITLE: DETENTION OFFICER I
DETENTION CENTER
FLSA: Non-exempt
**APPLICATION PROCESS: TO APPLY FOR THIS POSITION:
1. DOWNLOAD AND COMPLETE WCSO APPLICATION, F-3, AND QUESTIONNAIRE DOCUMENTS:
WCSO Application
F-3
QUESTIONNAIRE
2. COME BACK TO THIS POST, CLICK APPLY, UPLOAD THE COMPLETED DOCUMENTS WHEN PROMPTED. COMPLETE THE REMAINDER OF THE ONLINE APPLICATION.
PLEASE NOTE
INCOMPLETE SUBMISSIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED
A RESUME CANNOT BE SUBSTITUTED FOR THE REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
DOCUMENTS CAN BE NOTARIZED DURING THE INTERVIEW PROCESS
If selected for the next step, you will receive an email requesting additional information.
Compensation/Benefits: The starting salary for a Detention Officer I is $47,088.
Non-sworn applicants with an end goal of becoming a Sheriff's Deputy are encouraged to apply for the Detention Center.
Benefits
Annual and Sick Leave
Medical, Dental, Vision
12 Paid Holidays
401k
Retirement
Health Savings Account
Employee Discounts on Gym Memberships & Local Businesses
GENERAL STATEMENT OF JOB
Performs intermediate protective service work processing inmates, maintaining Detention Center security, transporting inmates to court, medical and related facilities, does related work as required. Work is performed under the moderate supervision of the Detention Sergeant. SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Essential Job Functions
Admits and books new inmates; ensures that inmates are properly booked and searched, and are allowed calls to attorneys and relatives; calls bondsman if necessary; advises inmates of Detention Center rules and regulations; ensures the proper forms, photographs, fingerprints, etc. are completed on individual inmates; locks prisoners in cellblocks.
Secures inmates' property, properly storing and returning appropriate items upon release.
Prepares and transports inmates from the Detention Center to court, to medical and dental appointments, other detention facilities, etc., maintaining the safety and well-being of the inmates and the general public.
Reviews logs and reports from previous shift; maintains knowledge of inmate population and assignments; compiles schedules and lists of inmates to be transported; prepares various reports and logs, including jail lists, bond sheets, photo logs, inmate cash records, confinement reports, incident reports, etc.
Attending assigned station, maintaining security and order; performs head counts and periodic cellblock and cell checks; conducts periodic and surprise cell searches for contraband; observes inmates' demeanor to determine mental state and possible need for treatment and/or closer observation; patrols entire jail area periodically to prevent escapes and maintain order.
Supervises medical treatment of inmates in the Center and maintains security during medical call; maintains a log of inmates requiring medication; administers medication appropriately.
Communicates with inmates, giving information and directions, mediating disputes, and advising of rights and processes; listens to inmates' complaints; resolves inmates' conflicts and problems; performs crisis intervention as needed, including counseling, suicide prevention, etc.
Supervises visitation of inmates; assists visitors; inspects items brought to jail for inmates.
Maintains the security of the jail at all times; maintains the safety and well-being of the inmates; removes violent and disorderly inmates from cells; reassigns inmates to other cells; performs perimeter inspections within and outside Detention Center; breaks up fights and affrays; pursues fleeing inmates and performs rescue operations, as required.
Operates control panels to open and close doors in the facility; performs visual and audio surveillance of doors and activities of inmates and staff.
Utilizes computerized data entry equipment and various database programs to enter, store and/or retrieve information on inmates.
Supervise inmates during meals, showers and work detail; opens recreation area and inspects area daily.
Dispenses mail, canteen and cleaning supplies; distribute clothing and indigent supplies; dispense over the-counter medical supplies; may supervise changing of linens; may distribute personal hygiene supplies, etc.
Assists Magistrate, Sheriff Deputies, court personnel, etc., as needed; distributes legal papers to inmates, as required.
Maintains assigned station and area, including mopping floors, removing trash, etc.
Operates laundry equipment to wash and dry inmates' clothing operations at night or on weekends, as assigned.
May unload supply delivery trucks; stocks supply room, as needed.
Logs incoming and outgoing mail; distributes mail.
Performs other related work as required.
MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE
High school diploma or GED and minimal experience working in a detention center or security position, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENT
Valid driver's license in the State of North Carolina.
Certification as a detention officer by the North Carolina Sheriffs Training and Standards Commission.
Certification in Fire Safety and Operation, CPR and Bloodborne Pathogens.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS OR STANDARDS
REQUIRED TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Physical Requirements : Must be physically able to operate a variety of machinery, equipment, and tools including computers, typewriters, copiers, two-way radios, laundry equipment, restraint devices, transport restraint gear, pepper spray, cameras, etc. Must be physically able to operate a motor vehicle. Must be able to exert up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 25 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Work may require standing, walking, running and physical confrontation. Physical demand requirements are those for Heavy Work.
Data Conception : Requires the ability to compare and/or judge th
About Wilson County Sheriff
Full department page- Starting pay$54,516
- Top of scale$92,124
- Sworn officers (2025)76
- Open jobs2
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