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Salary and Benefits

Detention Officer
$43K-$52K / yr. (est.)
$43K
$48,173 / year
$53K
Average base salary
The salary information provided is based on data collected from various reliable sources and may vary depending on individual qualifications and other factors.

About Detention Officer

What does a Detention Officer do?

As detention officers, we are responsible for the custodial work with prisoners’ transportation, security, and supervision. We perform a variety of duties relative to that of care; direct supervision, desk duty, and transportation of inmates. We patrol the detention facility, maintain head-counts of inmates, and maintain the security of doors and gates within and outside of the detention facility.

Core tasks:

  • receive and process inmates into the custody of institution; searches prisoners; take charge of personal property
  • patrol jail area periodically to ensure security and maintain order
  • investigate crimes and critical incidents; collects evidence; make arrests; testify in court
  • answer the phone, file inmate folders, and keep records of inmates’ visitation, showers, medications, and other procedures

Insights

How Many Years of Experience Do Professionals Need Before Becoming Detention Officer?
On average, people work 3-5 years in other positions prior to becoming a Detention Officer.
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Detention OfficerPhoenix, AZ - A year ago
Omg! this job is intense! I guess it does take previous experience to deal with difficult individuals in detention 😩
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Detention OfficerPhiladelphia, PA - A year ago
💯 It's important for detention officers to have prior work experience. They need to be equipped to handle the challenges they'll face in that job!
How Long Do Detention Officer Employees Typically Stay in Their Roles?
On average, Detention Officers works in this position for 5+ years across multiple employers.
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HR ManagerHouston, TX - A year ago
Detention officers face significant challenges on a daily basis, and it's important for employers to provide adequate support and resources to ensure their well-being.
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Disability RepresentativePhiladelphia, PA - A year ago
Detention officers should unite and join a union to collectively address grievances, advocate for their rights, and negotiate fair working conditions.
What Is the Job Hopper Score for Detention Officer Employees?
Moderate job changes in Detention Officer, showing some career movement without excessive turnover.
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CDL Truck DriverAtlanta, GA - A year ago
us detention officers know about change - we're experts at it! 💪
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Social WorkerNew York City, NY - A year ago
A Detention Officer who transitioned to Social Work could aid marginalized individuals in transformative ways!

Career path

Path to job

Discover a Detention Officer's areas of knowledge sorted by their majors.
Explore the list of higher education institutions that a Detention Officer typically studied at.
Prairie View A&M University
Sam Houston State University

Path after job

Community

Demographics

What Is the Age and Gender Ratio of Detention Officer Employees?
Gender ratio in Detention Officer position: 0.672008434370058 Male and 0.327991565629942 Female. Age ratio in Detention Officer position: 16-20: 12%, 21-30: 70%, 31-40: 13%, 41-50: 4%, 51-60: 1%, 60+: 0%. Detention Officer position is predominantly male (67.2%) with the largest age group being 21-30 years old, followed by 31-40 years old.
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Detention OfficerMiami, FL - A year ago
Hey, Miami's got a real mix of genders and ages in the Detention Officer role! We're keeping it diverse down here! 💃
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Detention OfficerDenver, CO - A year ago
I'm a man in my 50s and I take pride in being a Detention Officer. Don't count us older folks out! We bring experience and wisdom to the job! 🙌

Workplaces

Who Are the Top Employers for Detention Officer?
Top employers of Detention Officer position: Harris County Sheriff's Office, Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, Texas Department of Criminal Justice. People who work in Detention Officer position most typically go on to work for the Harris County Sheriff's Office.
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Detention OfficerNew York City, NY - A year ago
Can we talk about the alarming turnover rate in this profession instead? We should focus on addressing the reasons why Detention Officers leave their jobs.
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Detention OfficerMiami, FL - A year ago
Harris County Sheriff's Office! Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction! Texas Department of Criminal Justice! Stop arguing! You all need to recognize that different employers might be better for different people depending on their priorities and circumstances.
Harris County Sheriff's Office
Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction
Texas Department of Criminal Justice
What Industries Does Detention Officer Typically Have Experience In?
Industry Background: The most typical industries of Detention Officer: Public Administration, Health Care, Professional / Scientific / Technical, Administrative & Support, Religious / Grantmaking / Civic. Detention Officer employees most likely come from a Public Administration industry background.
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Detention OfficerHouston, TX - A year ago
Being a Detention Officer in the Lone Star State means facing all kinds of challenges, but our dedication to public safety never wavers! 💪
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Detention OfficerMiami, FL - A year ago
¿Quin se atreve a ser un Oficial de Detencin bajo el sol de Miami? Siempre tenemos que estar alerta para mantener el orden y la seguridad.

Find your job as Detention Officer

Discussion about Detention Officer

Want to know more about Detention Officer position?
Share your thoughts and ideas about Detention Officer position with others in our community.
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How is the gender diversity among people working as a Detention Officer?
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Liam Brown3 years ago
More men than women work as a Detention Officer.
What is the most common age of a Detention Officer?
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Sophie Hayes3 years ago
The typical age is 27.
How many years of experience do you usually have as a Detention Officer?
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Liam Brown3 years ago
You probably need around 4 years to work as a Detention Officer
Which industries are highly likely to employ a Detention Officer?
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Benjamin Gardner3 years ago
Public Administration is typical for a Detention Officer to work in.
Do I need a degree to work as a Detention Officer?
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Sophie Hayes3 years ago
You should be fine with No higher education
Which company are you working for as a Detention Officer?
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Sophie Hayes3 years ago
Harris County Sheriff's Office, Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, Texas Department of Criminal Justice, The GEO Group, Inc. and Wake County Sheriff's Office employs the most people in the Detention Officer role.
How long do you usually work as a Detention Officer before changing to another position?
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Sophie Hayes3 years ago
A Detention Officer typically moves on after more than 5 years
Is it common for people to switch companies and still work as a Detention Officer?
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Liam Brown3 years ago
A typical Detention Officer might work for one or two companies.
What do people usually work as before switching to Detention Officer?
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Isabella Holmes3 years ago
Typical prior positions for a Detention Officer are Correctional Officer, Security Officer or Probation Officer
If I’m working as a Detention Officer, what next position could I have?
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Sophie Hayes3 years ago
Changing from a Detention Officer to Police Officer, Deputy Sheriff or Probation Officer is a typical career path.
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Disclaimer

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