Correctional Officer

DEFINITION:

 Under supervision, maintains care and custody of inmates, security, and order on and off the property of Calaveras County; do related work as required, or conduct other duties as assigned by the Sheriff or his/her designee.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

Correctional Officers perform inmate care and custody duties while maintaining jail/inmate security and assuring compliance with Title 15 and other applicable laws governing custody of incarcerated persons.

• Receives, books, fingerprints, and photographs inmates.  Receives and records personal property of inmates.   Assures that inmates are searched, clothed, and assigned to cells.
• Confines and releases inmates from cells.  Monitors inmate activities.
• Operates a County vehicle to transport and escort inmates to and from medical facilities, other detention facilities, courts, and other locations.
• Supervises inmates on work details both within and outside of the custodial facility.
• Patrols the internal and external perimeters of the custodial facility, making periodic inspections of conditions. 
• Enforces rules and regulations governing the conduct of inmate and visitors. 
• Examines mail and packages to be received by inmates.
• Maintains discipline and orderly conduct.  Prevents, deters, and stops fights among inmates, restrains disorderly inmates.  Uses appropriate verbal skills to prevent assault by inmates, and uses appropriate self-defense tactics to deflect assault by inmates..
• Investigates and/or handles medical emergencies and disorders.  Administers CPR and first aid.  Coordinates with custody nurse for the distribution of prescribed medications to inmates. 
• Investigates crimes committed within the facility by inmate population, and writes accurate reports regarding said investigation. 
• Operates radios, telephones and other communication equipment. 
• Prepares required records pertaining to period of commitment.
• Prepares records and reports; completes forms.
• Discharges or transfers inmates, prepares appropriate reports and paperwork, releases personal property.
• Answers inquiries over the telephone  related to jail policies and individual prisoners per applicable regulations.
• Receives and gives receipts for bail money; Supervises feeding of prisoners; Assists with routine clerical duties;
• Attends State mandated training(s) to achieve and maintain correctional officer certificate(s).
  
   

Knowledge, Skill and Ability to: (Probationary Period)

Demonstrate an aptitude for correctional work, learn, understand and carry out oral and written instructions, understand and apply departmental and other applicable laws and regulations, learn standard broadcasting procedures of a police radio system, make independent decisions and adopt quick, effective and reasonable course of action with respect for the rights of others;, to learn from experience and apply knowledge gained effectively.

Knowledge of:, (Full Performance):

Human relations, inmate character and habits, supervision of inmates, disciplinary, security, emergency, and safety policies and procedures, departmental rules and regulations, location of routine and emergency equipment, and appropriate terminology.

Skill to: (Full Performance):

Use effective verbal and non-verbal communication; perform CPR and first-aid; use riot control equipment, restraining devices, fire extinguishers and other security and safety equipment; and drive a County vehicle while monitoring inmates.

Ability to: (Full Performance):

Keep records and reports; protect oneself and others; handle hostile inmates with minimum amount of force, observe and note unusual occurrences; be aware of surroundings; supervise inmates; and perform duties according to established policies, procedures, rules and regulations.

Training and Experience

Equivalent to graduation from high school.   Must be to operate a computer and learn specialized software.