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DETENTION OFFICER - PO



Job Details

DETENTION OFFICER - PO

This listing closes on 3/20/2025 at 11:59 AM Pacific Time (US & Canada); Tijuana.

Employer

City of Los Angeles

Salary

$46,625.00 - $70,052.00 Annually

Location

CITY OF LOS ANGELES, CA

Job Type

FULL-TIME

Job Number

3211 O 2018/11/30

Department

Police Civilian

Opening Date

03/20/2025

Closing Date

3/20/2025 at 11:59 AM Pacific Time (US & Canada); Tijuana

DUTIES

A Detention Officer is an unarmed civilian employee of the Police Department who processes arrestees, including booking, fingerprinting, and maintaining custody and control.  ALL positions include duties, which require the ability to type using a computer keyboard.

NOTES:
 

  1. Some positions may be entitled to additional negotiated compensation for MOU provisions, such as some shift assignments, authorized bi-lingual pay, and assignment location.
  2. Annual salary is at the start of the pay range. The current salary range is subject to change. Please confirm the starting salary with the hiring department before accepting a job offer.
  3. All entry-level positions in this class have been designated as temporary training positions in accordance with Civil Service Rule 5.30. Employment in such positions is not to exceed twelve (12) months, during which time the trainee must successfully complete a comprehensive training program consisting of both classroom and on-the-job training. Upon completion of the training program, employees will receive regular appointments to the class of Detention Officer and begin a six-month probationary period.

REQUIREMENT(S)/MINIMUM QUALIFICATION(S)

Current employment as a Police Officer I with the City of Los Angeles, not having completed the Los Angeles Police Academy. 

PROCESS NOTES
 

  1. Prior to appointment, a thorough and comprehensive Background Investigation will be conducted by the Los Angeles Police Department.  You must not have a history of criminal or improper conduct, including any felony convictions.  You must not have poor employment, military, or driving records which would affect your suitability for law enforcement work.  You must have a responsible financial history.  You must have displayed a pattern of respect and honesty in your dealings with individuals and organizations.  You must be fingerprinted and have no disqualifying record of law violations or other improper conduct.  Potentially disqualifying violations or conduct include convictions for more than one minor offense within the past year.
  2. Candidates may be required to undergo a DRUG and ALCOHOL screening test, based on City policy.
  3. A valid California driver's license is required.  Applicants will be disqualified and not eligible for hire if their record within the last 36 months reflects three or more moving violations and/or at-fault accidents, or a conviction of a major moving violation (such as DUI).
  4. Candidates will be asked to complete and submit a Personal History Statement (PHS) online at a later date.  Certification by a Department is subject to a candidate's completion of the PHS.  Any candidate who does not submit this information by the specified date will be ineligible for certification at that time.  The information provided in your PHS will be used during the Background Investigation.
  5. Candidates who are hired must attend an appropriate Recruit Detention Officer Academy as determined by the Los Angeles Police Department and the State of California.  Candidates are required to wear a uniform. The academy will include an academic curriculum, physical fitness, and training in defense tactics and control holds for use on especially combative arrestees.  Failure to successfully complete these courses may result in termination.
  6. Candidates that qualify for this examination under the aforementioned Requirement will undergo a selection process based on an Application Review. 
 
SELECTIVE CERTIFICATION
 
In accordance with Charter Section 1010 (b) and Civil Service Rule 5.31, selective certification will be used for some positions that require the ability to speak or write a language other than English. Only persons who have the necessary language skills may be certified in order of standing on the eligible list to fill such positions. If you have the ability to speak or write a language other than English, indicate this language in the appropriate box on the application.

WHERE TO APPLY & APPLICATION DEADLINE

Applications and the Job Preview, which is part of the application WILL ONLY BE ACCEPTED ON-LINE.  When you are viewing the on-line job bulletin of your choice, simply scroll to the top of the page and select the "Apply" icon.  On-line job bulletins are also available at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/lacity for Open Competitive Examinations.
 
NOTE:
 
Applicants are urged to apply early to ensure you have time to resolve any technical issues you may encounter.

For administrative purposes, filing may close periodically and reopen the following day. This examination may close without prior notice at any time after a sufficient number of applications have been received.
 
In accordance with Civil Service Rule 4.2, all applicants who apply may not be tested in this examination. To meet anticipated hiring needs, only a limited number of qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the written test in the following order: 1) Applicants currently employed by the City of Los Angeles who meet the minimum requirements or are on a reserve list; 2) Remaining applicants who meet the minimum requirements in sufficient numbers to meet hiring needs in the order that applications were received

SELECTION PROCESS

Examination Weights:    Application Review and Evaluation.........................................100%


The Application Review and Evaluation will consist of a thorough review of the completed application and job preview.  
 
If you receive and accept a conditional job offer, appointment is subject to completing a MEDICAL EXAMINATION and PSYCHOLOGICAL EVALUATION. Candidates must be determined to be medically and psychologically qualified to perform the essential duties of a Detention Officer.  Candidates must undergo a comprehensive medical examination given by a City physician and a psychological evaluation conducted by a City psychologist that consists of a written test and interview.
 
NOTES:
 
  1. This examination is based on a validation study.
  2. As a covered entity under the Fair Employment and Housing Act and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City of Los Angeles does not discriminate on the basis of disability and, upon request, will provide reasonable accommodations to ensure equal access to programs, services, and activities.  To request a disability accommodation, please complete the Disability Accommodation Form within 14 calendar days of the submittal of the City application.  The Disability Accommodation Form can be obtained at http://per.lacity.org/exams/verify_disability.pdf.
  3. Applications are accepted subject to review to ensure that minimum qualifications are met.  Candidates may be disqualified at anytime if it is determined that they do not possess the minimum qualifications stated on this bulletin.
  4. A final average score of 70% in the Training and Experience Questionnaire portion of the examination is required to be placed on the eligible list.
  5. You may take this written test only once a year (365 calendar days). Your name may be removed from the eligible list after six months.
 
Notice: 
 
If you receive and accept an offer of employment to a regular position with the City of Los Angeles, your employee benefit coverage (including health and dental coverage as well as life insurance) will commence approximately six weeks after your original regular appointment. Not all positions in the City receive benefit coverage; you should inquire regarding the availability of employee benefits prior to accepting a position.
 
THIS EXAMINATION IS TO BE GIVEN ONLY
ON AN OPEN COMPETITIVE BASIS
 
The City of Los Angeles does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, creed, color, ancestry, medical condition (cancer), or Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome.

There are many things to consider in a new employer. Visit the following webpage to view benefits the City of Los Angeles offers its employees:

http://per.lacity.org/bens/index.html

01
To be PROPERLY AND PROMPTLY notified of the status of my application, I UNDERSTAND that I MUST provide on my City application, the following information:

-Working E-mail address
-Telephone Number
-Official social security number

I UNDERSTAND that I MUST provide a working email address on my application where I will receive notifications regarding the status of my application and the selection process.

I UNDERSTAND that important information regarding the status of my application and the selection process will only be sent via E-MAIL to the email address I provided.

I UNDERSTAND that it is MY RESPONSIBILITY to ensure that the email address I provided is a working email and that I will check my email regularly to ensure I receive any communication as it relates to the examination promptly.

I UNDERSTAND that the City of Los Angeles Personnel Department is NOT RESPONSIBLE for any lost or redirected emails and that it is MY RESPONSIBILITY to add info@governmentjobs.com to my email contact list to avoid email notifications related to this examination from being classified as "spam" or "junk" mail.
  • I have read these statements to their fullest and will provide a working e-mail address on my application in order to receive status of my application regarding this examination.
02
I UNDERSTAND that I am required to describe, IN DETAIL, my appropriate qualifying experience in the Work Experience Section of my application.

I UNDERSTAND that, if qualifying with my City experience, that I MUST indicate my appropriate job classification in my work history and NOT ANY WORKING TITLE that I believe is designated to me.

I UNDERSTAND that if I attach a resume and/or cover letter IN LIEU of completing the Work Experience Section, my application is INCOMPLETE and WILL NOT be considered for this examination, and my application WILL NOT be further processed.

In addition to including my qualifying experience, I UNDERSTAND that I should list ALL jobs, regardless of duration, including part-time jobs, military service and any periods of unemployment during my entire work history.
  • I have read these statements to their entirety and understand them completely and to their fullest.
03
I am currently:
  • A City of Los Angeles employee having received a regular appointment.
  • An exempt City of Los Angeles employee, but have civil service status.
  • An exempt City of Los Angeles employee without receiving civil service status.
  • A City of Los Angeles employee in a temporary training position.
  • A City of Los Angeles employee on a part-time basis.
  • On a regular reserve list for the City of Los Angeles.
  • Not employed with the City of Los Angeles.
04
I am currently employed as a Police Officer I with the City of Los Angeles, not having completed the Los Angeles Police Academy.
  • Yes
  • This statement does not apply to me.
05
I have a valid California driver's license.

NOTE: Applicants will be disqualified and not eligible for hire if their record within the last 36 months reflects three or more moving violations and/or at-fault accidents, or a conviction of a major moving violation (such as DUI).
  • Yes, I have a valid California driver's license.
  • This statement does not apply to me.
06
In the text box below, indicate your valid California driver's license number and expiration date.
07
SELECTIVE CERTIFICATION

In accordance with Charter Section 1010 (b) and Civil Service Rule 5.31, selective certification will be used for some positions that require the ability to speak or write a language other than English. Only persons who have the necessary language skills may be certified in order of standing on the eligible list to fill such positions. If you have the ability to speak or write a language other than English, indicate this language in the appropriate box on the application.
  • I understand the information provided above.
08
SELECTIVE CERTIFICATION

Other than English, I have the ability to speak in the following language(s):

Select all that apply.
  • This statement does not apply to me.
  • Armenian
  • Cantonese
  • Farsi
  • Japanese
  • Korean
  • Mandarin
  • Russian
  • Spanish
  • Vietnamese
  • Other
09
SELECTIVE CERTIFICATION

If you selected "Other" in the previous question, indicate the language you are able to speak in the text box below.
10
SELECTIVE CERTIFICATION

Other than English, I have the ability to write in the following language(s):

Select all that apply.
  • This statement does not apply to me.
  • Armenian
  • Cantonese
  • Farsi
  • Japanese
  • Korean
  • Mandarin
  • Russian
  • Spanish
  • Vietnamese
  • Other
11
SELECTIVE CERTIFICATION

If you selected "Other" in the previous question, indicate the language you are able to write in the text box below.
12
City of Los Angeles
Detention Officer Realistic Job Preview

The City of Los Angeles strives to hire the best candidate for every position. Our goal is to fill each job with a person who is well qualified, has an interest in the job, and who will be committed to a career in this field. To do this, we feel it is important to give each applicant a realistic description of the job and the variety of tasks performed so that the candidate can decide for himself or herself if the job is truly one in which there is an interest and the ability to do well.

We emphasize the need for you to read this Job Preview carefully and consider the entire job of Detention Officer before you apply. What follows is a realistic preview of some of the tasks that are required of all Detention Officers at the City of Los Angeles. If you are unwilling to perform any of these activities, we strongly suggest you consider alternative employment choices which may better fit your preferences and abilities. This list does not include every task required of Detention Officers, but each task on the list must be performed by all Detention Officers.

To complete this, read the first activity carefully. Then consider whether you are willing to perform this activity. Respond by clicking "Yes" or "No." Continue for all activities.
  • I undertand the information provided above.
13
RECRUIT DETENTION OFFICER ACADEMY

#1. Candidates who are hired must attend a 12 week Recruit Detention Officer Academy. Candidates are required to wear a uniform. This Academy includes an academic curriculum, physical fitness training, and training in defense tactics and control holds for use on especially combative inmates. During the Academy, physical training will include strength training, endurance runs, callisthenic exercises, and stair climbing. (It is important that you begin your physical fitness training during the selection process, well before you enter the Academy.) Failure to successfully complete the Recruit Detention Officer Academy may result in termination of your employment.

I read, understand, and am willing to perform this activity.
  • Yes
  • No
14
ONGOING TRAINING

#2. During the course of their career, Detention Officers are required to attend training to learn new information and techniques, including self-defense and other physical activities, medically-related responsibilities, and legal issues. They may also be required to teach classes at the Academy to Detention Officer recruits and other members of the Police Department.

I read, understand, and am willing to perform this activity.
  • Yes
  • No
15
BOOKING

#3. Detention Officers are responsible for booking inmates, some of whom are combative or otherwise uncooperative, by photographing and fingerprinting them and checking physical characteristics such as tattoos and scars. This process also involves obtaining detailed information from arrestees, reading documents, verifying data, and entering it into the computer. When inmates are combative, it also involves physically subduing or otherwise restraining them.

I read, understand, and am willing to perform this activity.
  • Yes
  • No
16
PHYSICAL CONTACT

#4. Detention Officers are in physical contact with inmates and their belongings, some of whom are dirty, neglected, mentally unstable, intoxicated, under the influence of drugs, injured, and/or bleeding. Belongings may be infected and must be disposed of as a biohazard. Physical contact with arrestees includes swabbing the inside of their mouths to obtain DNA samples, performing CPR, placing them in hobble restraints, and forcefully (with the assistance of other Detention Officers) placing them in a safety (restraining) chair for their own protection and the safety of others.

I read, understand, and am willing to perform this activity.
  • Yes
  • No
17
#5. Detention Officers are in physical contact with inmates to escort them to and from various locations, administer first aid or CPR, intervene in suicide attempts, and to gain control of fighting, combative, or otherwise resistant inmates. These inmates may have hepatitis, tuberculosis, lice, or be covered with fecal matter.

I read, understand, and am willing to perform this activity.
  • Yes
  • No
18
HOUSING

#6. Detention Officers must use all available information, such as mental state of the inmate, alcoholic intoxication, and medical condition including HIV positive status, active tuberculosis, hepatitis, broken bones, and suicidal tendencies, and other circumstances such as first-time offender, gang member, celebrity, or charge of child molestation, to follow Police Department policy and make cell assignments.

I read, understand, and am willing to perform this activity.
  • Yes
  • No
19
#7. Detention Officers cook, prepare, and distribute food to inmates in cells and verify that utensils are returned in order to prevent theft of potentially dangerous materials. Food may be delivered through a slot in the door to help prevent it from being hurled or spat at others. Receiving and storing food requires lifting and carrying large quantities of quite heavy and bulky items.

I read, understand, and am willing to perform this activity.
  • Yes
  • No
20
SEARCHES

#8. Detention Officers must conduct physical searches of inmates to protect the safety of jail personnel and others. They conduct a "pat-search" by maintaining control of inmates with one hand and, with the other hand, reaching around their body and feeling for weapons, contraband, or other prohibited items.

I read, understand, and am willing to perform this activity.
  • Yes
  • No
21
#9. Detention Officers must conduct a "strip-search" of inmates that includes visual examination of body cavities when there are certain charges against the inmate.

I read, understand, and am willing to perform this activity.
  • Yes
  • No
22
#10. Detention Officers make physical searches and inspections of inmate cells. This includes searching under bunks and lifting or removing mattresses to search under them, and searching the inmates themselves for weapons and other contraband.

I read, understand, and am willing to perform this activity.
  • Yes
  • No
23
SECURITY AND SAFETY

#11. Detention Officers must visually observe and count the number of inmates every fifteen minutes to one hour, and write the number on an observation sheet in order to assure all inmates are present and in good condition.

I read, understand, and am willing to perform this activity.
  • Yes
  • No
24
#12. Detention Officers must visually observe inmates who are placed in a safety cell every fifteen minutes and write inmate behavior on the Special Confinement Log including issues such as verbal combativeness, potential suicide, or neurotic or otherwise destructive behavior, in order to maintain a record and alert officers.

I read, understand, and am willing to perform this activity.
  • Yes
  • No
25
#13. Detention Officers must listen for unusual sounds such as hard objects falling or constant toilet flushing which may indicate destructive or illegal activity in order to anticipate and prevent problems among inmates.

I read, understand, and am willing to perform this activity.
  • Yes
  • No
26
#14. Detention Officers must monitor inmates for indications of any illegal, destructive, or otherwise inappropriate activity (such as fighting, damaging property, throwing food, intentionally flooding toilets, or smearing their own excrement around the cell or onto surveillance cameras) in order to prevent, stop, or report any suspicious activity to supervisors and other Detention Officers.

I read, understand, and am willing to perform this activity.
  • Yes
  • No
27
#15. In order to gain control of fighting, combative, or otherwise resistant arrestee/inmate, Detention Officers grasp one or both arms and apply downward force in order to maneuver the arrestee's arm behind back and place in handcuffs or apply a twisting and/or bending force to the wrist in order to gain control and compliance from the arrestee.

I read, understand, and am willing to perform this activity.
  • Yes
  • No
28
#16. There is always the possibility that an inmate may die while a Detention Officer is on duty, and Detention Officers must respond to suicide attempts or actual suicides and take appropriate action.

I read, understand, and am willing to perform this activity.
  • Yes
  • No
29
#17. Detention Officers secure crime scenes in jail by taping off area, standing guard, questioning people requesting to enter the scene, keeping a log of who enters and exits the area, and separating witnesses and involved employees, in order to preserve evidence for police investigation.

I read, understand, and am willing to perform this activity.
  • Yes
  • No
30
#18. Detention Officers are responsible for the physical operations and property security of the facility such as the operation of the lights, cell doors, and gates. They must contact repairpersons whenever there is broken or malfunctioning equipment.

I read, understand, and am willing to perform this activity.
  • Yes
  • No
31
REPORT WRITING

#19. Detention Officers must write detailed investigative reports, using a computer word processor, describing incidents such as injuries, accidents, and contact with HIV or tuberculosis patients, in order to document incidents for later review or for possible use in court.

I read, understand, and am willing to perform this activity.
  • Yes
  • No
32
#20. Detention Officers must write detailed reports, using a computer word processor, describing "use of force" incidents or in-custody deaths in order to document involvement of Detention Officers and inmates in occurrences of physical interaction for later review or possible use in court.

I read, understand, and am willing to perform this activity.
  • Yes
  • No
33
#21. As a witness in court, Detention Officers must answer attorneys' questions and demonstrate actions if necessary on topics such as use of force, in-custody deaths, crimes that occurred in the jail, and confiscated contraband and narcotics. The reports of incidents they have written will be used in such proceedings.

I read, understand, and am willing to perform this activity.
  • Yes
  • No
34
EMERGENCY RESPONSE

#22. Detention Officers are required to carry non-lethal weapons, such as pepper spray, TASERS and FN303 less lethal launchers in order to be able to use nonlethal force.

I read, understand, and am willing to perform this activity.
  • Yes
  • No
35
#23. Upon observing an inmate in need of medical assistance, alerts other staff members by pressing the panic alarm or using Rover radio, clears the jail cell of other inmates, calls the paramedics, and, while waiting for them to arrive, administers first aid, cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and/or uses automated external defibrillator (AED) and takes all other life-saving steps possible.

I read, understand, and am willing to perform this activity.
  • Yes
  • No
36
#24. Detention Officers must respond immediately, and be ready to assist at the scene of any emergency in the jail such as "man down," "officer needs help," or "fight in progress."

I read, understand, and am willing to perform this activity.
  • Yes
  • No
37
#25. Detention Officers must don and wear a helmet, stab resistant vest, and impact vest, and carry two 4-foot Plexiglas shields, in order to enter cell and remove an unwilling inmate (with other Detention Officers).

I read, understand, <u
  • Yes
  • No
38
RECORD KEEPING

#26. Detention Officers type on a desktop computer keyboard to complete documents such as: "promise to appear" notices, inmate property listings, notes of arrestee cell movement, cell inspection forms, incident reports to document significant occurrences, listings of toilet kits and recreation equipment issued, and logs of keys. At times, typing may be a primary activity for the entire shift.

I read, understand, and am willing to perform this activity.
  • Yes
  • No
39
#27. Detention Officers answer telephone calls from the public, inmate family members, lawyers, bondsmen, and others regarding those being detained. Providing this information sometimes requires locating information that is physically difficult to access and climbing multiple flights of stairs to obtain signatures.

I read, understand, and am willing to perform this activity.
  • Yes
  • No
40
#28. At the start of each shift, Detention Officers must count property, custody cards, and inmates in order to assure card numbers, actual items, and individuals match. They also keep a log of facility keys, counts keys, and verify count against log in order to maintain control of facility keys. Detention Officers receive cash, count for accuracy, and fill in forms to complete the bail bond process. These are all detailed activities that must be done with complete accuracy.

I read, understand, and am willing to perform this activity.
  • Yes
  • No
41
PHYSICAL DEMANDS

#29. In addition to the other physical demands of the job stated above, Detention Officers stand extended hours, walk a long distance, and repeatedly climb flights of stairs during a work shift. At times they must exert maximum physical effort, and they must also repeatedly lift and carry bulky materials and be in awkward body positions to perform their duties.

I read, understand, and am willing to perform this activity.
  • Yes
  • No
42
WORK SHIFTS

#30. Work shifts are scheduled to cover a 24-hour day, 7-days per week operation. Detention Officers may be scheduled on either a day or night 12 hour work shift, which includes weekends and/or holidays.

I read, understand, and am willing to perform this activity.
  • Yes
  • No
43
#31. Detention Officers may be required to drive a 30 passenger bus or 14 person van to transport inmates or arrestees between locations.

I read, understand, and am willing to perform this activity.
  • Yes
  • No
44
This concludes the Detention Officer Realistic Job Preview. Review your responses to ensure you have included all required information.
  • I understand this statement.
45
IMPORTANT NOTE I have read the above questions carefully and answered each one accurately. I understand that if I do not provide correct information that my application will be disqualified and will not be considered further for this examination.

I understand that if I submit more than one application, my newest application will be considered and all others will be considered duplicates and will not be reviewed.

You should include in the work experience section of your application any jobs you wish to be considered as you will be unable to add or change your information after submission.
  • Yes, I have read the above statements carefully and understand them to their fullest.

* Required Question

Employer
City of Los Angeles
Phone
213-473-9311
Website
http://per.lacity.org
Address
700 East Temple Street, Room 100

Los Angeles, California, 90012
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