
Posting number: 26300209
Department: Sheriff
Division: Detention Oper Area 3
Job classification: DETENTION PROCESSING TECHNICIAN
Posting type: Open
Categories: Clerical & Data Entry, Corrections, Public Safety
The County of San Diego is seeking qualified candidates for the position of
Detention Processing Technician
Apply today if you are interested in working in the criminal justice system interpreting court and other legal documents!
This position is eligible for appointment at step 1, $57,553.60 annually. County employees are subject to the County Promotion Rule for Step Placement in Accordance with Compensation Ordinance 1.3.5.
Future Salary Increase
** June 2027 – 4.20% increase to base pay (3.0% Across-the- Board + 1.20% Market Adjustment)
Detentions Processing Technicians play a vital role in the criminal justice system, overseeing the intake and release of incarcerated individuals while maintaining up-to-date custody records. They interpret complex legal documents, calculate time served based on local and state sentencing guidelines, and conduct in-person interviews to collect essential personal information. These employees regularly interact with courts, attorneys, investigators, law enforcement agencies, and the general public. In addition, they utilize electronic databases to research criminal histories, including prior convictions, arrests, and outstanding warrants—ensuring thorough and informed information is complete and up-to-date.
Detention Processing Technicians work in a locked County detention facility that is operational 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Applicants must be willing to work any and rotating shifts, on holidays or weekends. The current vacancy is at the San Diego Sheriff's Office.
For more information on this job description, please visit the Detention Processing Technician job classification page.
The ideal candidate is a skilled professional with strong communication abilities with a commitment to customer service. They show respect for others, strive for excellence, and thrive in team environments that value collaboration and ongoing learning. With a strong sense of ethics and reliability, they handle sensitive information with discretion, adapt well to change, and bring a consistently positive attitude to their work.
The timeline for this recruitment is outlined below.
I. Job Offer and Background Process begins: Shortly after the interviews. Note: Current County employees may be excluded from additional background screening.
II. Pre-employment Medical Screening: Approximately 3 days following successful background investigation results.
III. Anticipated Start Date: Start date will be based upon successful completion of medical screening or other mutually agreed upon date.
If you are not selected for this interview process, you may have the opportunity to compete for future vacancies.
The Department of Human Resources removes personally identifiable information from all recruitments. This practice, called Blind Applicant Screening, hides a candidate’s personal information that could influence or bias a hiring decision. Personal information includes name, phone number, address, gender, age, and race. This process helps contribute to a fair and equitable selection process leading to a more diverse and inclusive workforce. The most highly qualified candidates, based on the evaluation results, will be referred for an interview. Be sure to include your experience in meeting the minimum requirements in both the Work Experience section and the Supplemental Questionnaire section of the Application.
Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the application Work History and/or supplemental questionnaire.
Incumbents will work all shifts, on holidays, and weekends; with inebriated, uncooperative, and/or emotionally disturbed persons; and in a locked detention facility to book and release incarcerated persons.
Incumbents must have a reputation for honesty and trustworthiness. Felony convictions may be disqualifying. Misdemeanor convictions may be disqualifying depending on type, number, severity, and recency. Prior to appointment, candidates will be subject to a thorough background investigation which may include a psychological, truth verifcation or other examination or test.
As part of the County of San Diego’s pre-employment process, prospective candidates will undergo a background check (including fngerprinting) and a pre-employment medical screening prior to beginning County employment. Additional types of background investigations may be conducted based on the job-related activities of the position.
Current County employees may be excluded from this process.
The names of qualifed candidates will be placed on a six (6) month employment list based on scores received during the evaluation of information contained in their employment application and supplemental questionnaire. Please ensure all information is complete and accurate as the responses you provide on the supplemental application questionnaire will be reviewed using an automated evaluation system. If you are successful in the initial screening process your application will be reviewed individually to confirm that the information you provided is accurate and qualifying.
Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable a qualifed individual with a disability to perform the essential functions of a job, on a case-by-case basis.
As an employer of over 19,000 employees, the County of San Diego is an organization committed to veteran hiring, retention, and professional development. We recognize the contributions and sacrifices made by our veterans and value the unique expertise and leadership qualities they bring to our workforce. We strive to provide veterans with the resources and tools necessary to maximize their employment opportunities, and to assist veterans with their transition into civilian life by applying the valuable skills, knowledge and training acquired in service to positions and career paths at all levels within our large organization. Click on the resource links below to learn more about how the County of San Diego supports its veterans.
The County of San Diego offers preferential credits for military service to assist qualified applicants in transitioning from military to civilian careers with the County of San Diego. Please read the Veteran's Preference Policy for additional information.
Do you need assistance translating your military experience into civilian experience? This tool can help! Please read the Military Skills Translator to access the tool.
The County of San Diego and its employees embrace the vision of a just, sustainable, and resilient future for all. Our values include: integrity, equity, access, belonging, excellence, and sustainability. Each of these values is infused throughout our operations. The County also embraces a mission of strengthening our communities with innovative, inclusive, and data driven services through a skilled and supported workforce. Read more about the Strategic Plan (sandiegocounty.gov)
for more information.
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Under California Government Code Sections 3100 - 3109, public employees are designated as disaster service workers. The term "public employees" includes all persons employed by the state or any county, city, state agency, or public district. Disaster service workers are required to participate in such disaster service activities as may be assigned to them by their employer or by law.
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The County of San Diego is committed to valuing diversity and practicing inclusion because our diverse workforce is our greatest asset and our customers are our number one priority.

We are committed to provide and retain a skilled, adaptable, and diverse workforce for County departments so they may deliver superior services to the residents and visitors of the County of San Diego.