Posting number: 26513709
Department: Police - Support Operations
Division: City Jail
Job classification: Detentions Officer
Posting type: Open
Categories: Corrections, Public Safety
This is a non-sworn position that processes, guards, secures and confines all persons who have been detained, arrested or put under protective custody into the Chula Vista Police Department City Jail (50-bed); work with others to provide efficient jail-related services to sworn peace officers and other staff; and to perform other related duties as required.
Candidates who successfully complete all portions of the selection process will be placed on an Eligibility List for a period of six (6) months unless otherwise extended.
Functions may include, but are not limited to, the following: book, process, photograph and fingerprints inmates; search incoming inmates for weapons and contraband; prepare arrest packets including checking criminal history backgrounds using a variety of law enforcement related computer software; process any evidence collected from prisoners; maintain order in holding facilities; restrain combative prisoners and attend to injured prisoners when necessary; complete jail reports should an incident occur in the jail facility; provide detailed information to watch commander; handle prisoners in accordance with Title 15 and 24 CCR; segregate inmates when necessary; confine juveniles in separate holding areas; provide prisoner information to other law enforcement agencies or facility personnel; assist arresting officers with DUI tests (breathalyzer); transport prisoners to South County Courthouse, San Diego County Jail, Las Colinas Women's Detention Facility, San Diego Juvenile Hall or other required facility; guard prisoners in the hospital before transfer to county detention facilities as required; maintain jail security; keep a safe and sanitary jail facility (including all interview rooms, report rooms, "DUI" rooms, and holding cells); maintain jail supplies, first aid kits, film, ink, print cards, gloves, paper suits, blankets and other miscellaneous supplies; secure prisoners personal property; coordinate and supervise daily inmate meals distribution; complete various clerical reports including booking reports, detention cards, and jail logs, juvenile logs and injured prisoner reports; edit and process incoming teletype information messages regarding out of county or state warrants and bulletins; maintain and update the Jail's Policy and Procedure Manual; follow bail schedules and receive and process bail monies and/or bonds; sound and/or respond to alarms; prepare frozen entrees and serve meals to inmates; conduct perimeter security checks; coordinate the release of prisoners; create photo lineups; maintain Jail Control Room as required; and perform related duties as assigned.
Any combination of education and/or experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be one year of responsible experience in a position that includes high public contact and training equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade supplemented by college courses in criminal justice or a related field and at least 18 years of age at time of hire.
Required License or Certificate: A valid California driver's license. Successful completion of an Adult Corrections Officer Academy which meets all requirements of the California Standards and Training for Corrections (STC) within one year of hire. Individuals who have previously completed the Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Basic Academy Course will be required to successfully complete the Adult Corrections Officer Supplemental Core Course within one year of hire.
Knowledge of: principles of human behavior and group dynamics; applicable laws, codes, ordinances, and regulations; basic math; safety precautions and practices for kitchen equipment; basic techniques used to prepare frozen entrees and serve meals; English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation; computer equipment and software applications related to assignment. Ability to: maintain order, instruct, and direct the activities of prisoners; accurately observe, recall, and document prisoner behavior; assess situations to prevent or solve problems and take appropriate course of action; control prisoners who resist using minimum force; understand bail schedules and how to receive and process bail monies and/or bonds; understand the rules of chain of evidence and proper chain of evidence procedures; use a taser gun and pepper spray; exercise good judgment in maintaining order and security and directing the activities of inmates; read, comprehend, and appropriately apply laws, statutes, and policies; administer first aid; operate and maintain kitchen equipment in a safe and efficient manner; operate computer equipment and software applications related to assignment; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work; and work with various cultural and ethnic groups in a tactful and effective manner.
With assistance must be able to restrain prisoners weighing up to 200 pounds using a variety of restraint techniques; must have the ability to read rules, regulations, training materials, and other documents; must be able to sit for long periods of time; must be able to stand for extended periods of time; must have mental acuity to perform simple mathematical calculations, as well as write accurate reports; must be able to use disinfectants to clean prisoner cells; must be able to bend, grab, lift objects weighing up to 75 pounds; must have the ability to hear verbal commands, warning bells, and other sounds; and have the ability to use a computer keyboard. Primary work is performed indoors in a jail facility environment with fluorescent lighting and moderate noise level. There is exposure to the external environment when to transporting inmates to other areas. May work in the presence of hostile and/or aggressive individuals. May occasionally be exposed to infectious and contagious diseases, bodily fluids and cleaning chemicals.
Candidates will be notified via email of the written exam score. You are required to pass the written exam to continue in the selection process.
If you currently possess and in the last three (3) years have obtained a valid California Standards and Training for Corrections (STC) Adult Corrections Officer Core Course Certificate OR a Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Basic Academy Course Certificate, you may be eligible to waive the written exam requirement for this position.
You must attach a copy of your certification to your application to verify your eligibility.
This confidential questionnaire is designed to assist the Police Department in conducting a preliminary suitability screening. This confidential questionnaire will be provided in-person. You are required to pass the Pre-Background questionnaire to continue in the selection process.
The Physical Agility Test (PAT) is developed to assess fitness and agility capabilities necessary to perform the duties of a Detentions Officer. You are required to pass both portions of the PAT to move forward in the process. The PAT is comprised of two, timed events:
Candidates must successfully complete the written exam, PBQ, and PAT to continue in the selection process.
Candidates must successfully complete the background questionnaire to continue in the selection process.
The oral board interview will consist of questions regarding candidate's education, experience, interest, and personal qualifications to determine suitability for law enforcement service.
ALL DATES INDICATED ABOVE ARE TENTATIVE AND SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT FURTHER NOTICE.
Recruitment No. 26513709
To be considered, applicants must submit a City Application and Supplemental Questionnaire by 12:00 p.m. on the closing date listed. Candidates whose applications indicate education and experience most directly related to the position will be invited to participate in the selection process. All notices will be sent via e-mail.
Unless otherwise noted, a passing score must be achieved at each step of the recruitment process in order to have your name placed on the eligibility list for hiring consideration. The eligibility list established as a result of this recruitment will be for a duration of six (6) months, unless otherwise extended.
Please note: The examination materials for this recruitment are validated, copyrighted, and/or inappropriate for review.
Successful candidates must undergo a thorough background investigation. There are certain types of conduct which are automatic grounds for disqualification.
Please click here to review the "Pre-Employment Disqualifying Criteria" which identify some of the common areas of the background investigation process that may cause delay or prevent you from competing in the selection process.
The City of Chula Vista is located at the center of one of the richest cultural, economic and environmentally diverse zones in the United States. It is the second-largest City in San Diego County with a population of over 276,000. Chula Vista boasts more than 52 square miles of coastal landscape, canyons, rolling hills, mountains, quality parks, and miles of trails. Chula Vista is a leader in conservation and renewable energy, has outstanding public schools, and has been named one of the top safest cities in the country.
Chula Vista means “beautiful view” and there is more to see and do here than you can imagine! Great year-round weather entices runners, hikers, cyclists, birders, and outdoors enthusiasts from the bay to the lakes. Visit the bayfront with the Sweetwater Marsh National Wildlife Refuge and the Living Coast Discovery Center. The Chula Vista Marina & Yacht Club awaits kayakers and boaters. Cycle the Bayshore Bikeway and see more wonders on San Diego Bay. Eastlake offers residents an area for walking or biking around the lake and Otay Lakes provides quiet picnics and boating.
Construction on the 535-acre Chula Vista Bayfront project is underway. It will feature a world-class waterfront resort, a convention center, parks, and residential housing. A new luxury RV Resort opened in 2021 on the bayfront with RV sites and vacation rentals. Plans are moving forward on the 375-acre University Park and Innovation District in the eastern section which will bring more education, jobs and businesses to the City.
Established neighborhoods, contemporary communities, start-up firms, corporations, nationally recognized entertainment venues, the nation’s only warm weather athlete training center, an award winning nature center, and a historic downtown all contribute to Chula Vista’s attraction for both families and businesses.
