JOB SUMMARY
Maintain safety and security of inmates, staff and detention facilities, provide custody and control of inmates, preserve order and discipline, and supervise inmates according to Pinal County Sheriff's Office Adult Detention Center (PCSO-ADC) policies and procedures and state and Federal regulations under basic supervision. This is an Entry/Trainee position, which works under close supervision.
The application and any supplemental questions are an integral part of the selection process and must be completed in full in order for you to be considered as a candidate.
Please complete each section and answer all questions as thoroughly as possible. DO NOT state "See resume" in lieu of answering. If the question does not apply, mark N/A. Unanswered questions, incomplete responses, omissions, or partial information may result in disqualification from the selection process and your application will be marked as INCOMPLETE.
February 19th 2025 (must submit application by Feb 1st*)
April 22nd 2025 (must submit application by April 4th*)
If qualified, eligible applicants will be notified via email regarding next steps.
*Tentative Academy Dates:
March 2025 - June 2025
May 2025 - August 2025
July 2025 - October 2025
September 2025 - December 2025
Eligible applicants will begin employment prior to Academy start date.
*ALL TESTING DATES ARE TENTATIVE AND SUBJECT TO CHANGE. EVERY APPLICANT MUST APPEAR IN PERSON TO TEST.
NOTICE TO APPLICANTS:
This is a registry intended to collect applications for future vacancies containing one or more positions. Eligible applicants might be placed into a registry until a vacant position becomes available.
- This announcement may be closed as soon as a sufficient number of qualified applicants have applied.
- Per PCSO Policy 703 – After FTO, employees may take home county-owned vehicles only with prior approval from their Bureau Chief. The employee must live within a 10-mile limit from the Pinal County Border.
Detention Cadet Hiring Process
Detention Cadet testing typically occurs every other month.
Testing Day - The testing day consists of a physical agility test, a written test, and a preliminary background review.
You will need to have the following documents with you on testing day:
- Birth Certificate, Naturalization Papers (Original Document) or Current Passport
- High School Diploma, GED, or transcript with graduation date (Original Document) or higher education certificates/diplomas
- Arizona Driver’s License (Original Document)
- Social Security Card (Original Document)
- Credit Report (Original Document) A Complete report is required on a thumb drive (only your score will not be accepted)
- DD 214 Copy Member 4 if discharged from Military or Selective Service Registration (Original Document)
- Vehicle Insurance Card
- 3 years Certified Driving History Record (Original Document)
If all criteria is met, the Background Investigator will notify Human Resources to submit your personal information into ESOPH.
Failure to bring all documents with you on the testing day may delay in the testing process.
1. Physical Agility Assessment -All applicants must participate and pass a Physical Agility Test, which consists of the following:
- Sit-ups
- Push-ups
- 300 meter run
2. Written Test -An essay-style test is used to measure comprehension, grammar, and handwriting skills. You must complete this test with a passing grade to advance further in the testing process.
- 60 minutes duration
- Consists of 3 questions – 70% passing
3. Preliminary Background Review - You will meet with a Background Investigator and answer a short questionnaire. You will need to have all documents required with you on testing day. If all criteria are met, the Background Investigator will notify Human Resources to submit your personal information into ESOPH.
4. ESOPH Background -You will be sent a link to sign in, answer questions and upload any documents required. You have seven (7) days to complete.
5. Background Review - Once your background information has been reviewed and all required criteria have been met, you may be scheduled for a final background review.
6. Computerized Voice Stress Analysis (CVSA) –Once your background information has been reviewed and all required criteria have been met, you may be scheduled for a Computer Voice Stress Analysis Test.
7. Command Review -Once your background check is complete, our command staff will review it. Upon approval, you may be invited to a Command Interview.
8. Command Interview -You will meet and talk with the Command Staff. Upon approval, you will be extended a conditional offer of employment. At this time, you will also be scheduled for a psych evaluation and medical review.
9. Official Offer - Once you have passed all steps including all medical, psych, background and CVSA, you may be extended an official offer and be scheduled a date to attend New Hire Orientation.
PCSO DETENTION OFFICER SELECTION GUIDELINES:
Application:
1. Applicant will not receive nor are entitled to a copy of the contents of their test results.
2. No documents, copies of reports submitted by the applicant will be returned.
3. No documents, reports or information utilized for, or obtained, during the selection process will be furnished to the applicant.
4. Applicant will not be advised of the reason(s) for non-selection.
Drug Use:
1. Marijuana –Each position shall be reviewed and determined on a case by case basis dependent upon the applicant’s required security access, including those with use of less than six (6) months.
2. Dangerous Drugs/Narcotics/ Hallucinogens/Vaporous Substances – Any time within the past five (5) years. This includes methamphetamine, amphetamine, barbiturates, speed, spice, bath salts, crack, cocaine, heroin, opioids, mushrooms, ecstasy, LSD, ketamine, salvia, PCP, anabolic steroids, etc.
3. Peyote/ Mescaline - Illegal use as described above. (Exception- Bona fide religious ceremonies)
4. Sale, Production, Cultivation or Transportation for Sale of illegal drugs in last five (5) years or since becoming an adult.
5. Pattern of abuse of ANY drugs to include marijuana, narcotics, dangerous drugs and prescription drugs. “Pattern of abuse” will be determined based on; type of drugs used, purpose for using, length of time used, and age of individual during use (minor or adult).
Theft or Misappropriation of Property:
1. Any demonstrated pattern of habitual theft.
2. Any theft while serving in a position of trust.
Acts Constituting a Felony or any Conviction for Domestic Violence Involving Physical Violence:
1. A conviction for any act which would constitute a Felony in the State of Arizona, at any time.
Fraud or Misrepresentation:
1. Any intentional attempt to practice any deception or fraud in the Employment Application, Testing Process, or any failure to properly complete the application.
Driving Record:
1. Any recent demonstrated pattern of excessive traffic violations (for positions that require operation of a motor vehicle).
Previous Positions Held: Any of the following may be disqualifiers:
1. Having been disciplined by any employer, including military, as an adult for abuse of leave, gross insubordination, dereliction of duty or persistent failure to follow established policies and regulations.
2. Having been involuntarily dismissed, for any reason other than layoff, from two or more employers as an adult.
3. Having held more than seven paid positions with different employers within the past four years, or more than 15 paid positions with different employers in the past ten years (excluding military). Students who attend school away from their permanent legal residence may be excused from this requirement as well as other persons with a reasonable explanation for an extensive job history.
4. Resigning from any paid position without notice may be disqualifying, except where the presence of a hostile work environment is alleged or other reasonable cause existed.
Military Service: 1. If an applicant has served in the military their separation must be classified as “Honorable”, “General under Honorable conditions” or “Uncharacterized”.
Work in this classification requires an individual to be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary classification functions herein described. Since every duty associated with this classification may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in this classification description, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties just as though they were actually written out in this description.
TYPICAL CLASSIFICATION ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
- Maintain custody and control of inmates according to policies, procedures, and regulations, perform work within scope of authority and training, and make proper decisions using sound judgment.
- Maintain safety and security of the staff, inmates, and detention facilities, monitor behavior of inmates, promote acceptable attitude and conduct, and perform tasks to maintain integrity and consistency of detention facility operations.
- Supervise inmate activities, maintain continuity and discipline, physically restrain uncooperative and disruptive inmates, intervene to avert fights, assaults, riots, and escapes, and solve problems within scope of authority.
- Provide equal protection and care for all inmates, including nutrition, hygiene, education, court and hospital transport, recreation, laundry, clothing, housing, medical assistance, behavior monitoring, and social interactive discipline.
- Monitor inmates for rule violations and behavioral changes, de-escalate potentially violent situations, and maintain appropriate use-of-force as needed for self-defense, defense of another, and to prevent escape.
- Perform constant inspections and security checks of all PCSO facility areas, conduct head counts and area searches, and assure all areas of the facility are safe, secure, sanitary, and free of contraband.
- Conduct body and cell searches for contraband and inventories, maintain accountability for keys, equipment, tools, and supplies, and account for inmates under direct vision and supervision at all times.
- Report and investigate disciplinary and behavioral issues and violations of inmate housing and facility rules.
- May perform special duties, including Disciplinary Hearing Officer.
- Assure that the facility and equipment are maintained in clean and effective operating order.
- Enforce local, state, and Federal laws and enforce compliance with PCSO post orders and standards.
- Update PCSO files, records, and event logs, maintain appropriate records, and prepare reports as required.
- Work with other state and regional law enforcement agencies on inmate issues.
- Maintain the integrity, professionalism, values, and goals of the Sheriff's Office by assuring that all rules and regulations are followed, and that accountability and public trust are preserved.
- Maintain absolute confidentiality of work-related issues, customer records, and restricted County information.
- Perform other related duties as required.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO PERFORM WORK:
- High school diploma or GED equivalent.
- Must be a minimum of nineteen (19) years of age.
- Valid Arizona State Driver's License.
- Must pass a thorough background investigation.
- For ACJIS users - Must pass a thorough background investigation and background re-investigation every 5 years.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Additional technical training and certifications may be required at the direction of the Sheriff or Designee.
Additional Information- This position will have direct inmate contact and will work rotating shifts.
- Must attend and successfully complete a 9-week in-house Detention Officer training program and a Field Training program.
- Accepting this position will require a TB skin test in the first 10 days of employment and annually thereafter. Failure to do so may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination.
- Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a criminal background check and verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications as applicable.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Knowledge of Sheriff's Office policies and procedures, and detention Standard Operating Procedures (SOP).
- Knowledge of state and Federal laws, regulations, and statutes governing management of inmates and detention facilities.
- Knowledge of behavior patterns of incarcerated persons.
- Knowledge of processes, standards, and protocols for booking and releasing inmates.
- Knowledge of use-of-force rules.
- Knowledge of techniques of inmate control and defensive tactics.
- Knowledge of hazardous chemicals and materials, first aid, and CPR.
- Knowledge of principles of records management.
- Skill in interpreting laws and regulations, making decisions, maintaining composure, and working effectively under stressful conditions and emergency situations.
- Ability to remain alert at all times and react quickly and calmly in emergency situations and in dealing with situations requiring diplomacy, understanding, fairness, firmness, and sound judgment.
- Ability to communicate with inmates, mediate difficult situations, and use effective custody and control procedures.
- Ability to maintain and safely operate a variety of weapons, impact weapons, handcuffs and waist chains, special locks and keys, and chemical agents.
- Ability to interact with people of different social, economic, and ethnic backgrounds.
- Ability to operate a personal computer and software applications.
- Ability to work alternating work schedules, weekends, holidays and be subject to call-out.
- Ability to work various (12) hour shifts and be subject to mandatory overtime.
- Ability to work independently and as a team member.
- Ability to follow and effectively communicate verbal and written instructions.
ADA COMPLIANCE – Pinal County Sheriff’s Office is an Equal Opportunity employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities, and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.PHYSICAL DEMANDS:- Essential and other important responsibilities and duties require maintaining physical condition necessary for adequate physical performance abilities including the ability to balance, climb, crawl, crouch, finger, feel, grasp, handle, reach, kneel, stoop, stand, ascend/descend stairs, perform repetitive motions and walk for prolonged periods.
- Must have adequate speech, hearing and eyesight, ability to perceive and distinguish colors or shades of colors, sounds, taste, odor, depth, texture, and visual cues or signals demonstrate mental and physical acuity.
- Frequently sit for long periods of time to active engagement of a suspect.
- Occasionally exert substantial physical effort by pushing and pulling objects in excess of 100 pounds and the ability to lift, push or pull objects in excess of 50 pounds frequently, and/or in excess of 20 pounds constantly to move objects.
- The ability to communicate information and ideas so others will understand. Must be able to exchange accurate information.
- Work involves crisis situations that require making major decisions involving people, resources, and property with possible exposure to physical and verbal abuse.
- Requires the ability to operate a motor vehicle daily.
- Must be able to wear protective gear daily.
- Must be able to see and respond to dangerous situations and take offensive and/or defensive action during physical confrontations.
- Must be available to work long, irregular schedules and on-call, including nights, overtime, evenings, weekends and holidays, as required by the needs of the agency.
WORK ENVIRONMENT: - Work is performed within a field environment out of a vehicle patrolling the that may require exposure to all weather conditions, in or near vehicle traffic, emergency situations with exposure to a variety of safety hazards, strong odors or fumes, disease/blood/bodily fluids, pathogenic substances, toxic agents, hazardous materials, noise, explosives, vibrations and slippery or uneven surfaces When not engaged in emergency operations, may work under station or office conditions.
- Work involves crisis situations that require making major decisions involving people, resources, and property with possible exposure to physical and verbal abuse.
- May be required to use a respirator when performing duties requiring exposure to hazardous chemicals that may be biohazardous and carcinogenic.
- May have to lift and/or carry various objects or people in excess of 100 pounds.
- Must be able to wear personal protective gear most of the day.
- Must be available to work long, irregular schedules and on-call, including nights, overtime, evenings, weekends and holidays, as required by the needs of the agency.
THIS IS CONSIDERED A SAFETY SENSITIVE POSITION. This position may reasonably be expected to come into contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials in the performance of the work duties and is therefore subject to the vaccination and training provisions presented in the County Blood Borne Pathogen Exposure Control plan.