Detention Officer

Detention Officer

Salary

$65,794.56 - $80,707.12 Annually

Location

City of Pasadena, CA

Job Type

Full -Time

Job Number

26-187

Department

Police

Opening Date

06/25/2026

Closing Date

7/16/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

The Pasadena Police Department is seeking a detention officer to oversee the housing, processing and preparing of inmates for court appearances that are housed at the Citys Type-I jail. A detention officer maintains order and security in the jail facility and enforces rules and regulations to ensure the safety of staff and inmates.

The ideal candidate is energetic, demonstrates sound judgment, and is proactive and detail oriented. This is an excellent career opportunity to work in a dynamic and forward-thinking law enforcement agency with excellent benefits and job security. Apply today!

To learn more about the Police Department click here.

Essential Functions

The major responsibilities of this position are listed below. For more detailed information, please review the job description.

• Ensures officer and inmate safety by maintaining order and security in the jail..
• Performs secondary search of arrestees upon booking into the jail as determined by law.
• Prepares paperwork, photographs, and fingerprints; operates Live Scan machine, collects DNA and ensures accurate entry of arrestee information into law enforcement databases.
• Secures personal property and monies of arrestees in compliance with departmental policies and procedures.
• Secures and processes juveniles in compliance with detention policies and regulations.
• Prepares booking and court paperwork; obtains criminal history information including warrants or other holds and updates classification or housing information as necessary.
• Processes bail payments and paperwork for inmate release.
• Organizes inmates for meals; escorts inmates to/from cells.
• Maintains physical control of combative/uncooperative inmates using appropriate restraint techniques.
• Conducts security checks of the jail facility both in person and via closed-circuit television; may inspect or search cells when required.
• Monitors visitors entering and exiting the facility and supervises visits with inmates.
• Prepares inmates for transportation to court appearances and to receive medical services.
• Testifies in court when required.

Qualification Guidelines

COMPETENCIES

The following list represents the core competencies needed for success in this position.

• Attention to Detail - Focuses on the details of work content, work steps, and final work products.
• Decision Making - Chooses optimal courses of action in a timely manner.
• Handling Conflict - Utilizes advanced communication skills during contentious situations.
• Handling Stress - Maintains emotional stability and self-control under pressure, challenge, or adversity.
• Professional Integrity & Ethics - Displays honesty, adherence to principles, and personal accountability.
• Teamwork - Collaborates with others to achieve shared goals.
• Safety Focus - Shows vigilance and care in identifying and addressing health risks and safety hazards.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Graduation from high school or GED equivalent.
• At least 18 years of age at time of appointment.

SELECTION PROCESS

The selection process will consist of a training and experience evaluation, written test, interview panel, and department-level interviews.

VACANCIES

There is currently one vacancy in the Jail Section of the Police Department which may be filled from this recruitment process.

The resulting eligibility list from this recruitment may be used to fill this vacancy and similar vacancies in the future.

Candidates selected for this position are subject to a one year probationary work period.

Special Requirements

Must possess a valid California Class C drivers license and comply with the Citys Motor Vehicle Safety Policy during the course of employment.

Successful completion of a comprehensive background investigation is required which may include a review of employment history, criminal conviction record, credit history, use of intoxicants and/or other controlled substances, and psychological evaluation.

Must successfully complete PC 832.3 training within six months of assignment and STC Adult Corrections Officer Core Course within one year of assignment.

Annual STC training and any other factors relevant to suitability of employment as a Detention Officer is required.

Retirement:

The City of Pasadena contracts with the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) to offer a defined benefits program for eligible employees.

"New" CalPERS members are subject to the provisions of the Public Employees' Pension Reform Act of 2013 (PEPRA) and receive the following benefit formula: 2% at 62

"Classic" members of CalPERS receive the following benefit formula: 2.5% at 55

Deferred Compensation:

The City offers a 457(b) deferred compensation plan to help employees save for their retirement and supplement their CalPERS pension. Employees can defer salary with pre-tax or Roth after-tax deductions.

Health Insurance:

The City contracts with CalPERS to offer several comprehensive health plans that include Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plans and Preferred Provider Organization (PPO).

Other Benefits include:

• Dental Insurance (HMO and PPO plans offered)
• Paid leave (holidays, sick leave, vacation leave)
• City-paid Life and Short-Tem Disability insurance
• Voluntary vision, life, accident, critical illness and long- term disability insurance
• Medical & Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
• Free Employee Assistance Program

01

Are you 18 years of age or older?

• Yes
• No

02

Do you possess a valid Class C California Drivers License?

• Yes
• No

03

This position requires that you be available to work a flexible schedule, including holidays, weekends, day, swing, and graveyard shifts. Are you available to work this schedule?

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer City of Pasadena

Address 100 N. Garfield Ave., Rm S135

P. O. Box 7115

Pasadena, California, 91109-7215

Phone (626) 744-4366

(626) 744-4366

Website http://www.cityofpasadena.net/humanresources