Detention Officer

Detention Officer

Salary

$21.15 - $26.00 Hourly

Location

401 FRIO SAN ANTONIO, 78207, TX

Job Type

4A Full-Time

Job Number

2027-00083

Department

Arrestee Processing Center

Opening Date

10/05/2026

Closing Date

12/21/2026 11:59 PM Central

Grant Funded

No

FLSA Status

Non-Exempt

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Job Summary

Under immediate supervision, is responsible for processing and handling prisoners incarcerated in the City Detention Center. Creates and maintains files, lists, and other prisoner related information. Working conditions are primarily in an inside environment. Work includes exposure to dangerous persons, bodily fluids, and noise. Will be exposed to work in a dirty environment and under stressful emergency situations. Exercises no supervision.

Work Location

Municipal Courts - 401 S. Frio St., San Antonio, TX (78207)

Work Hours

10:00 p.m. - 6:30 a.m., Saturday - Wednesday

In this position you are a First Responder and expected to assist and support operational needs. The San Antonio Detention Center is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year to support SAPD and processing of individuals arrested. Minimum staffing needs may require individuals to be moved to different shifts. Mandatory overtime may be issued and working outside of assigned hours as needed in emergency situations may be required.

Essential Job Functions

• Processes prisoners brought into the detention facility by assigning them an identification number, entering arrest data into computer, searching them, and securing their personal property.
• Performs procedures necessary for the release of prisoners.
• Restrains belligerent and unruly prisoners using only the necessary degree of force required in a self-disciplined manner.
• Monitors prisoners while they are confined in the holding area of the detention facility.
• Monitors prisoners being screened by medical staff.
• Reviews National Crime Information Center, Texas Crime Information

Center, Texas Department of Public Safety (NCIC/TCIC/DPS) databases for criminal histories, warrant records and driving records using office equipment.

• Updates NCIC/TCIC databases with warrant records and conviction records reported to DPS.
• Generally requires speaking, listening, sitting, standing, reaching, walking, twisting and kneeling for processing and monitoring prisoners, may lift/carry up to 50 pounds.
• Performs related duties and fulfills responsibilities as required.
• Note: Only female detention guards may search and/or monitor female prisoners, therefore, in some instances, sex may be the basis of hiring decisions (BFOQ exception to Title VII).

Job Requirements

• High school diploma or GED equivalent (recognized by the Texas Education Agency or a regional accrediting agency).
• Must be eligible for certification under TCLEOSE (Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education).
• Valid Texas Crime Information Center and National Crime Information Center (TCIC/NCIC) Certification within one (1) year of employment and re-certified yearly.
• Must maintain Texas Law Enforcement Telecommunications System Access (TLETS) eligibility for continued employment in position (TLETS provides access to TCIC and NCIC).
• Applicants for this position must pass a Criminal Justice Information Systems (CJIS) fingerprint-based background check and maintain CJIS eligibility. Due to CJIS requirements related to system access, the following will result in being disqualified for this position: Felony Convictions, Felony Deferred Adjudication, Class A & B Misdemeanor Deferred Adjudication, Class B Misdemeanor Convictions, an Open Arrest for Any Criminal Offense (Felony or Misdemeanor), and Family Violence Convictions.
• Candidates given a conditional job offer will be required to pass a pre-employment medical examination, psychological evaluation, drug screening, polygraph test, and criminal background check.

Applicant Information

• Unless otherwise stated, applicants are permitted to substitute two years of related full-time experience for one year of higher education or one year of related higher education for two years of experience in order to meet the minimum requirements of the job. One year of full-time experience is defined as 30 or more hours worked per week for 12 months. One year of higher education is defined as 30 credit hours completed at an accredited college or university.
• Applicants selected for employment with the City of San Antonio in this position must receive satisfactory results from pre-employment drug testing and background checks. If required for the position, a physical, motor vehicle record evaluation, and additional background checks may be conducted.
• Please be advised that if selected for this position, information regarding employment history as it relates to the qualifications of the position will be needed for employment verification. Applicants claiming military service to meet the experience requirement for this position may attach a DD214 to the application.
• If selected for this position, official transcripts, diplomas, certifications, and licenses must be submitted at the time of processing. Unofficial transcripts and copies of other relevant documents may be attached to the application for consideration in advance.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of prisoner search and restraint techniques.
• Knowledge of prisoner processing and release procedures, to include knowledge of proper codes to input and retrieve information from computer systems.
• Skill in utilizing a personal computer and associated software programs.
• Ability to understand and carry out instructions.
• Ability to effectively communicate and elicit information from irate and belligerent prisoners.
• Ability to work under pressure, exercise good judgment, and make sound decisions.
• Ability to physically restrain belligerent prisoners.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with City staff and the general public.
• Ability to perform all the physical requirement of the position with or without accommodations.

Benefits Information

The City of San Antonio (CoSA) strives to provide a competitive compensation and benefit package to attract and retain a highly skilled workforce. To accomplish this, CoSA offers subsidized health care benefits for active and retired employees, paid disability benefits, paid life insurance, as well as automatic participation in a pension program which is currently matched two to one.

For more detailed information, please click on the following link to view Benefits offered by the City of San Antonio:

http://www.sanantonio.gov/hr/employee_information/benefits/index.asp

Note:

• Part-Time, Temporary, and non-City positions are not eligible for CoSA Benefits.
• Holiday and Leave benefits for Pre-K 4 SA positions may be different than what is listed at the above link.

Additional Information

The City Of San Antonio is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer. This means that the City does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, sex (gender), age, disability, national origin, genetic information, or sexual orientation. All individuals are encouraged to apply and compete for jobs with the City of San Antonio.

If you require assistance at any stage of the application process due to a disability, please contact the Human Resources Department so that accommodations may be made to meet your needs. Our telephone number is 210-207-8705 and our fax number is 210-207-2285.

01

Are you a current regular full time or part time CoSA employee?

• Yes - I am a Full Time City Employee.
• Yes - I am a Part Time City Employee.
• No - I am not a Full Time or Part Time City Employee.

02

Are you a veteran or active member of the armed forces?

• Yes
• No

03

Are you a San Antonio Ready to Work Program (SAR2W) or Train for Jobs San Antonio Program (TfJSA) participant?

• Yes - SA Ready to Work Program
• Yes - Train for Jobs SA Program
• Yes - Both Programs
• No

04

What best describes your highest level of education at the end of the current semester?

• Some High School
• High School Diploma or GED recognized by the Texas Education Agency or a regional accrediting agency
• 30+ completed semester hours (credits) from an accredited college or university
• 60+ completed semester hours (credits) from an accredited college or university
• Associates Degree from an accredited college or university
• 90+ completed semester hours (credits) from an accredited college or university
• 120+ completed semester hours (credits) from an accredited college or university
• Bachelors Degree from an accredited college or university
• Masters Degree from an accredited college or university
• PhD, JD, or other Post Graduate Degree from an accredited college or university
• None of the above

05

What would you do in a situation where a detainee was acting unsafely toward another prisoner and failing to follow your instructions to stop the action in question? Please describe how you would respond to the situation.

06

Do you have a valid Texas Crime Information Center and National Crime Information Center (TCIC/NCIC) Certification?

• Yes
• No

07

I understand that I must obtain a Valid Texas Crime Information Center and National Crime Information Center (TCIC/NCIC) Certification within one (1) year of employment and re-certified yearly.

• Agree
• Disagree

08

I understand I must be eligible and maintain Texas Law Enforcement Telecommunications System Access (TLETS) eligibility for continued employment in position (TLETS provides access to TCIC and NCIC).

• Agree

09

I understand I will be required to work 10:00 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. to include weekends and holidays. I have the ability to fulfill the required work schedule.

• Agree

10

I acknowledge for this position I must pass a Criminal Justice Information Systems (CJIS) fingerprint-based background check and maintain CJIS eligibility. Due to CJIS requirements related to system access, the following will result in being disqualified for this position: 1) Felony Convictions, 2) Felony Deferred Adjudication, 3) Class A & B Misdemeanor Deferred Adjudication, 4) Class B Misdemeanor Convictions, 5) Open Arrest for Any Criminal Offense (Felony or Misdemeanor), and 5) Family Violence Convictions.

• I acknowledge

11

I understand that if I have a need for a reasonable accommodation to participate in the recruitment and interview process, I can contact the Human Resources Department at AskHR@sanantonio.gov or 210-207-8705. I further understand that if an accommodation is necessary to perform the position for which I have applied, I can contact HR after an offer has been extended.

• I acknowledge.

Required Question

Employer City of San Antonio

Address Human Resources Department

San Antonio, Texas, 78205

Phone 210-207-8705

Website http://www.sanantonio.gov/HR/CareerCenter.aspx