Job Description
Job Title Leon County Sheriff's Office Detention Officer Job Description EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2026, STARTING SALARY UP TO $78,557 for SWORN DETENTION WITH PRIOR EXPERIENCE Responsible for maintaining care, custody, and control of detainees in the Leon County Detention Facility. This position helps to maintain the overall safety, security and good order of the facility. The position exercises judgment and individual initiative in the performance of routine duties and in emergency situations, often without immediate supervision. The position adheres to the agency core values of honesty and integrity, accountability, teamwork, trust and respect and commitment to excellence. To be successful in this position, the employee must demonstrate competency in Florida Model Jail Standards (FMJS), Standard Operational Procedures and LCSO Policies and Procedures, officer safety, knowledge of geographical layout of the Leon County Detention Facility, defensive and control tactics, conflict resolution, general communication skills (both written and oral), inter-personal skills, problem solving and team building skills. Essential Duties Completes all assignments and/or special projects to specifications as directed and within the specified time frame, budgetary requirements (if applicable), and applicable agency policies. Completes, updates, and submits accurate and thorough reports, documents and forms to the appropriate authority/personnel in a timely manner pursuant to applicable state regulations and in accordance with agency policies and procedures. Reports identified or potential maintenance, safety, and/or non-compliance findings, hazards, and incidents to the appropriate personnel and/or department; and documents the incident/findings and responds as directed or as required. Removes and returns detainee from and to cell while maintaining control of the detainee and observing officer safety at all times consistent with agency policies. Escorts visitors, vendors, other personnel on official business to their destination, ensuring their safety and security pursuant to agency policy; and searches visitors as required, locating, seizing, and reporting any found contraband and/or weapons. Maintains effective and safe care, control, and custody of inmates at all times pursuant to agency and state rules/regulations and policies. Ensures that the inmates are properly prepared and attired to enter a specific area or leave the facility pursuant to FMJS regulations and agency policies. Controls, restrains, and subdues detainees by the use of the proper restraining techniques, control device, and/or OC without causing undue pain or injury consistent with FMJS requirements, applicable Statutes, and agency policies; and documents and notifies the appropriate supervisory staff in accordance with agency policies/procedures. Mediates and successfully resolves disputes between inmates utilizing the minimum force required, implementing or recommending the appropriate disciplinary actions consistent with FMJS regulations and agency policies. Responds to all inmates incidents in accordance with agency policies/procedures. Answers inmate questions in a professional manner, referring unanswered questions to the appropriate personnel pursuant to FMJS requirements and agency policies. Inspects detainee housing and any other areas used by detainees for cleanliness, maintenance, and security deficiencies. Seizes and reports found contraband/unauthorized items, completes an accurate, concise written report detailing the incident pursuant to FMJS requirements and agency policies, and follows all subsequent agency procedures for processing/routing the contraband and related reports. Observes work area activities and reports any unusual or abnormal detainee behaviors or physical conditions consistent with FMJS requirements and agency policies. Conducts thorough investigations of crimes committed in the facility within the scope of their position. Conducts thorough pat down searches of inmates (including trustees) locating and seizing any contraband or weapons pursuant to FMJS requirements and in accordance with applicable Statutes and agency policies, and generates and submits the appropriate reports, if required. Conducts a strip search of the inmate, discovering and removing any hidden contraband in a manner consistent with FMJS requirements, applicable Statutes, and agency policies; locates and confiscates unauthorized detainee property/weapons/contraband consistent with applicable FMJS requirements and agency policies; and searches inmate clothing to locate and confiscate any contraband or weapons pursuant to FMJS requirements and in accordance with agency policies. Ensures that each inmate's identity is correctly verified prior to movement pursuant to FMJS