Job Description

Posting number: 2026-10-1

Department: Police

Division: Jail Operations

Job classification: Corrections Officer

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Corrections, Safety

Summary

Performs a variety of duties for securing and monitoring all incarcerated persons.

The City of Kingsport does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, ethnicity, national origin, sex, disability, age, status as a protected veteran, or any other class protected by Federal or State laws and regulations.

Examples of duties

• Performs intake of all prisoners/inmates including completion of booking sheet, fingerprinting, prisoner search, and photographic records;
• Initiates file of new suspects;
• Stores and secures detainees’ personal property; answers phones, provides routine information;
• Routinely checks and inspects detainees’ cells, closely monitors potential suicidal detainees for ongoing protection of welfare and safety;
• Prepares and maintains logs and records including cell check log, meal count list and head count roster, provides detainees with access to legal assistance and/or council/medical attention, contact Central Dispatch for emergency assistance;
• Processes court orders for releases/implements/completes all release procedures;
• Initiates and maintains records of all inmates as well as all other jail related incidents via computer terminal and in written form in accordance to all regulations and standards;
• Maintains a safe and sanitary environment for detained prisoners;
• May be required to defend self by physical means as well as drag/lift intoxicated prisoners weighing approximately one to two hundred pounds.
• Daily disposal of trash, launder blankets and uniforms as well as sanitize the cells.
• Distributes medications as prescribed;
• Monitors vital signs and blood glucose levels.
• Additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of policies and procedures of detention area;
• Knowledge of individual and privacy rights of detainees;
• Skill in recognizing and responding appropriately to a variety of potentially volatile and harmful situations to maintain security of area and facility;
• Skill in application of appropriate intervention methods and practices for maintenance of security and safety of individuals;
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with other law enforcement personnel, legal representatives and the local community;
• Skill in working effectively in an environment subject to quickly changing priorities, potentially combative and/or confrontational situations requiring the exercise and application of authority and/or force;
• Skill in following oral and written instructions;
• Skill in accurately operating a computer terminal;
• Ability to drag/lift approximately one to two hundred pounds.

Supplemental information

High school graduate or high school equivalent; no specific experience required; must acquire TCI certification within one year of employment.