Detention Sergeant

  • Job Code: S2910
  • Pay Grade:SR
  • Pay Scale:$44.51-$54.08 Hourly; $97,209.84-$118,110.72 Annually
  • Exempt:No

Overview

Perform professional managerial and administrative duties coordinating the activities engaged in the operational care, custody, and control of inmates within a detention facility, courthouse complex, or other areas to ensure a safe and secure environment.

Duties & Responsibilities

Note: Depending on assigned responsibilities, employees may perform some or all of the duties below.

  • Supervise the work of assigned staff by scheduling, assigning, and reviewing work providing training, counseling, and evaluating performance.

  • Plan, organize, and coordinate the work of detention personnel and support staff; ensure personnel are trained and follow proper security procedures, established policies, regulations, and guidelines relative to the operation of the facility, and recommend personnel actions as appropriate to provide for an effective working environment.

  • Oversee the safety and security of staff, inmates, and visitors of designated detention facility sections, courthouse complexes, and other areas to ensure a safe and secure environment.

  • Coordinate movement and activities of inmates including intake and release, on the job training programs, and work details.

  • Schedule, conduct, and evaluate emergency preparedness drills to ensure proper procedures are in place.

  • Interpret, enforce, and answer inquiries pertaining to institution rules of conduct, investigate incidents of inmate misconduct, determine the necessity and scope of discipline required and prepare and edit required reports; inspect and patrol living quarters and other facility buildings, grounds, and equipment on a periodic basis to ensure proper security, safety and overall operational effectiveness.

  • Notify command staff of serious incidents; provide information and respond to complaints regarding detention services and programs.

  • Supervise the arrangement and transportation of inmates to and from court appearances and other appointments.

  • Review and edit criminal report affidavits to ensure accuracy and completeness.

  • Run various computer generated reports to ensure accountability.

  • Document all activity during a shift, brief on coming shift, and coordinate unscheduled inmate supervision details.

  • Perform other related duties as required.


Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

  • Considerable knowledge of principles, practices, and techniques of modern inmate care, custody and control, and related state, federal, and department laws, rules, regulations, standards, and policies governing the operation of detention facilities and courtrooms.

  • Considerable knowledge of local, state, and federal laws governing the criminal justice system.

  • Considerable knowledge of crowd control defense and restraint tactics and communication procedures.

  • Considerable knowledge of behavior patterns, legal rights, discipline protocols, and grievance procedures of inmates.

  • Working knowledge of leadership and supervisory principles, practices, and techniques.

  • Considerable knowledge of the operation of Sally port controls, cell locks, and control panels commonly used in a secure facility.

  • Working knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations governing personnel management.

  • Working knowledge of first-aid and CPR principles and skill in training others in their application.

  • Skill in the application of supervisory techniques.

  • Skill in interviewing and interrogation methods and techniques.

  • Ability and willingness to supervise the work of others.

  • Ability to train others in all aspects of job duties and responsibilities.

  • Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing with diverse populations.

  • Ability to analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions, and implement recommendations in support of goals.

  • Ability to work in a hostile environment of inmates and their visitors without reacting in a negative manner and project a professional image at all times.

  • Ability to handle multiple tasks and smoothly and rapidly shift between dissimilar tasks.

  • Ability to supervise emergency situations, make effective decisions under stressful situations, and direct the use of physical force necessary to protect one self and others.

  • Ability to detect potentially adverse or unsafe situations and react according to department policy.

  • Ability to physically handle and control prisoners resisting detention.

  • Ability to review, establish, and maintain accurate records of assigned activities and operations.

  • Ability to use a two-way radio.

  • Ability to properly use various restraining devices.

  • Ability to safely and skillfully operate a motor vehicle.

  • Ability to operate a computer and related software.

  • Ability to work effectively with others.

  • Ability and willingness to use weapons and to properly maintain them.


Minimum Education & Experience

  • A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education.

  • Eighteen continuous months as a Detention Corporal with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) by the time of the Promotion Application deadline.


Additionally, the following are required:

  • Possession of a valid Florida Driver License.

  • A submitted Promotion Application.

  • Eighty hours of subject-specific advanced, specialized training, or career development courses.

  • No punitive disciplinary action consisting of a 5-day suspension or greater and/or involuntary or voluntary demotion within the last two years.

  • An overall rating of three “fully acceptable” or better on the annual evaluation in the Employee Performance Management System (EPMS) for the three years prior to the Promotion Application deadline.

  • A rating of three “fully acceptable” or better in each dimensional category on the annual evaluation in EPMS within the one year prior to the Promotion Application deadline.

  • Live within Hillsborough County or within Citrus, Hardee, Hernando, Lake, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Sarasota, or Sumter County as long as the residence is located within the 60-mile parameter of Falkenburg Road Jail at the time of appointment/employment.


Required Pre-Employment Testing

  • Maintenance of a valid passing test score on the HCSO Sergeant Promotion Exam.
  • One time participation in the HCSO Sergeant Assessment Center.

  • Successful completion of the HCSO Fitness Challenge as designed within one year prior to the Promotion Application submission.


Additional Job Requirements

  • Attendance at the specified Sheriff's Office work location is required.

  • Depending on assignment, employees may be required to possess a valid Florida Driver License at time of employment. Driving history will be thoroughly reviewed and may be grounds for disqualification.

  • No visible tattoos on face. Tattoos on hands, neck, or arms must be covered with white, black, or neutral colored covering.

  • No illegal drug sale within lifetime.

  • No illegal drug use within the past 36 months. No marijuana use within the last 12 months.

  • No felony convictions within lifetime.

  • No misdemeanor convictions involving perjury, false statement, or domestic violence within lifetime.

  • No dishonorable discharge from any branch of the United States Armed Forces, the United States Coast Guard, National Guard, or Reserve Forces.

  • Successful completion of a background investigation including criminal, reference, employment, and neighborhood checks; polygraph; medical evaluation; and drug screening.

Last updated: 3/31/2024