Detention Operator

Under general supervision, works within the Humboldt County Detention Center assisting sworn staff with clerical duties and functions.

Duties include:

answering telephone calls from other members in the criminal justice system as well as the general public; initiating, processing, filing and general communication and relaying information and paperwork to others within the criminal justice system; maintaining daily activity logs of all detention center activities; monitoring inmates via video surveillance for violent or self-destructive behavior; communication with detainees through an intercom system;

soliciting and inputting data from detainees during intake, booking, or release process; accurately inventory and handling of inmate property and money during booking and release; monitoring and or controlling access to staff and inmate movements by use of electronic doors within the facility; related clerical duties as required.

This classification is distinguished by a fast-paced working environment requiring effective communication, multitasking, attention to detail, and organization skills to ensure accurate and effective maintenance of Detention Center records and communications.

The difference between the Detention Center Control Room Operator and Detention Housing Operator is that the Detention Center Control Room Operator performs work inside the jail and reports to the Dispatch Supervisor and the Detention Housing Operator performs work outside the jail and reports to Detention Supervisor.

The duties listed below are examples of the work typically performed by employees in this class. An employee may be assigned all duties listed and may be assigned duties which are not listed below.

• Basic office/detention center procedures.
• Operations, policies, and procedures of the department.
• Terms and acronyms commonly used in the assigned function.
• Laws, rules and regulations, computer software used by the department.
• Techniques for communicating with people.
• Record keeping and filing procedures.
• Use of reference material.

• Perform multiple functions in periods of intense activity.
• Communicate effectively with individuals from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds and cultures in normal and stressful situations.
• Read, comprehend and apply a variety of laws, regulations, training materials, operating procedures and policy and procedure manuals.
• Effectively communicate, both orally and in writing.
• Compile data and maintain records.
• Evaluate situations and make sound judgments.
• Remain calm in stressful situations.
• Follow instructions in periods of intense activity.
• Use a variety of computer programs related to detention center activities.
• Perform data entry with sufficient speed and accuracy to perform the job effectively.
• Monitor equipment for long periods of time and identify potential problems.
• Identify alarms and respond to voice transmissions appropriately.
• Quickly make appropriate decisions in…