Primary Responsibility: Under general supervision, performs inmate supervision and detention-related duties within the Gilpin County Detention Facility. This is a non-POST certified position and does not carry independent peace officer authority under Colorado law. The Detentions Officer maintains safety, security, and order within the jail, supports facility operations, and assists POST-certified deputies, as needed.

Supervised by:

• Sergeant
• In the absence of a Sergeant, use the chain of command established by the Gilpin County Sheriff's Office.

Supervises: N/A

FLSA Status:  Non-exempt

MAIN JOB DUTIES:

Inmate Supervision & Classification

• Conducts inmate intake, booking, identity verification, searches, photographs, and property handling.
• Classifies inmates and assigns them to appropriate housing in accordance with Colorado Jail Standards and Gilpin County Sheriff’s Office Detentions Policy and Procedure.
• Advises inmates of facility rules, expectations, and grievance procedures.
• Supervises inmate movement, recreation, visitation, meals, commissary distribution, medication pass, programs, and work details.
• Supervise inmate workers inside or outside the facility.

Facility Security & Direct Supervision

• Maintains control, security, and safety within assigned housing units.
• Conducts security and wellness checks at required intervals.
• Prevents disturbances, intervenes in verbal and physical conflicts, and uses de-escalation strategies and physical force when necessary.
• Performs cell searches and area inspections to detect contraband, safety hazards, or policy violations.

Control Room & Technology Operations

• Monitors security cameras, intercom systems, electronic access controls, and alarm systems.
• Controls all door access, tracks inmate movement, and documents activities through the electronic Jail Management System (JMS).
• Operates body scanners, security screening equipment, and body-worn cameras in compliance with policy.
• Operates 800 and VHF radios to receive and send information to Communications, deputies, and other emergency service agencies in compliance with policy.

Court & Facility Security

• Provides security for courtrooms and the Justice Center, including responding to panic alarms and disturbances.
• Escorts inmates to and from court, medical appointments, or other designated areas.
• Ensures authorized access to secure areas and maintains perimeter security.

Emergency Response

• Responds to fires, medical emergencies, fights, alarms, evacuations, and critical incidents.
• Provides CPR, AED, and emergency first aid as needed.
• Documents events as required.

Communication & Inmate Interaction

• Communicates effectively and professionally with inmates, staff, visitors, and other agencies.
• Mediates disputes, handles inmate concerns, and provides information regarding legal processes, rights, and facility procedures.
• Documents incidents, grievances, safety concerns, and operational activities in accordance with policy.

Transports

• Conducts safe & secure inmate transports outside the facility to various locations.

Additional Job Duties:

• Performs general facility upkeep and maintains professional standards of uniform, equipment, and work areas.
• Attends required training and continuing education related to detentions, safety, mental health, and emergency response.
• Assists POST-certified deputies when appropriate and within the limits of non-POST authority.
• Provides cross-training and knowledge transfer to staff as needed to support continuity of operations and government services.
• Exercises sound judgment in handling confidential and sensitive information, ensuring appropriate disclosure only to authorized individuals and entities.
• Assists in stabilizing emergent or unforeseen operational situations to ensure continuity of services and effective organizational response.
• Adheres to all County policies, procedures, regulations, and applicable laws.
• Performs other duties and special assignments as assigned.

LEGAL AUTHORITY (NON-POST CERTIFIED)

• This position does not have statutory peace officer authority under the Colorado Revised Statutes.
• May perform arrest-related procedures only within the Gilpin County Sheriff’s Office Justice Center as part of their duties related to Detentions.
• Cannot independently make field arrests, conduct criminal investigations outside the of the facility, or perform law-enforcement patrol duties

Hours:

• Must be able to work shift schedules, including days, nights, weekends, holidays, and mandatory overtime.
• Subject to on-call or emergency recall as required.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Equivalent combinations of education, experience, and training may be considered.

Minimum Requirements

• Must be 21 years of age.
• Must meet standards established in Colorado Revised Statutes.
• Must possess a valid Colorado Driver’s License with no restrictions due to driving record.
• Must also be able to drive a county vehicle.
• Must have no felony convictions or disqualifying misdemeanors designated by POST or any significant prior criminal activity.
• Must pass background investigation, drug screening, psychological evaluation, and physical assessment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to remain calm, decisive, and professional in high-stress situations.
• Ability to de-escalate volatile situations using verbal communication and crisis-intervention techniques.
• Knowledge of constitutional rights, jail procedures, security protocols, and inmate management practices.
• Ability to use computers, JMS software, report-writing tools, cameras, and security systems.
• Ability to interact effectively with individuals experiencing mental health crises, substance withdrawal, or behavioral issues.
• Ability to follow complex instructions and adhere to policies, laws, and professional standards.

Certifications (Required with timelines):

• CPR, First Aid, and AED Certification (within 90 days).
• FEMA ICS-100 and ICS-700 (within 6 months).
• OSN within 6 months of the request from CBI
• Intoxilyzer Certification
• Colorado Notary Certification
• Narcan (Naloxone) Administration.
• Arrest Control Certification
• Taser Certification.
• Firearms proficiency, as determined by a Gilpin County Sheriff’s Office Firearms Instructor (completed during Field Training).
• Any additional certifications mandated by the Sheriff’s Office.

Mental/Physical Requirements:

• A Detentions Officer must be able to perform the main job functions listed, unassisted, and at a pace or level of performance consistent with the actual job performance requirements. This necessitates a high level of physical abilities and perceptual senses to include vision, hearing, speaking, flexibility, strength, etc.

COMPLIANCE

This role must operate in accordance with:

• Colorado Jail Standards
• Sheriff’s Office Policies and Procedures
• Use-of-Force standards
• Federal, state, and local laws

Experience:

• No previous experience required.

DISCLAIMER

This job description is not an employment contract and may be updated to meet the operational needs of the Sheriff’s Office.