County Correctional Police Officer

Overview

Under supervision during an assigned tour of duty, the Correctional Police Officer performs a wide variety of tasks within the adult county correctional facility. These tasks are focused on maintaining the safety, security, and welfare of inmates, facility personnel, and visitors. Officers are responsible for enforcing rules and regulations, monitoring inmate behavior, and ensuring a secure environment. Duties include supervising inmates, conducting searches, patrolling the facility, and responding to emergencies. The role requires vigilance, professionalism, and a commitment to upholding the law in a correctional setting.

Bilingual skills (Spanish and English) may be required for specific positions, as officers may be called upon to communicate with inmates or visitors who speak Spanish. Applicants should be able to read, write, speak, and understand both Spanish and English to perform the duties of the position effectively.

Key Responsibilities:

• Maintains care, custody and control of inmates in accordance with established policies, rules, regulations and procedures.
• Observes inmates directly and indirectly through visual, audio and video monitoring to check for unusual or abnormal activity and ensure the security, safety and welfare of inmates, facility personnel and the public.
• Observes unusual odors such as smoke, fire, marijuana, controlled substances and/or alcohol, to protect the security, safety and welfare of inmates and facility personnel.
• Continually keeps track of the number of assigned inmates through periodic head counts.
• Physically patrols and visually inspects cell block areas, tiers, grounds and corridors to check for safety and security hazards such as fires, smoke, broken pipes, unlocked doors and windows or locks that have been tampered with.
• Logs and tracks movements of inmates to the Infirmary, work detail, cell block area, visitation rooms, court appointments or other assignments. Records facility personnel's entrance and exit times.
• Escorts groups of inmates during movements within or outside the institution to prevent disorder or breaches in security.
• Physically restrains inmates, when necessary, to prevent injuries and maintain security.
• Learns names, Identification numbers and faces of problem inmates.
• Briefs oncoming officer(s) of inmate status, unusual activities, block, cellmate and problems related to post assignment.
• Enforces security procedures for keys, equipment and supplies.
• Maintains an adept sense of awareness regarding clues on escape attempts, contraband, gambling or other security matters.
• Reports information in accordance with established policies, regulations and procedures.
• Directs inmates in routine housekeeping duties within the cell block area,
• Completes head counts, records bedding inventory and fills out safety report forms.
• Prepares written reports concerning incidents of inmate disturbances and/or injuries.
• May screen visitors and provide security for the entrance of the facility,
• Conducts cell and dormitory searches in accordance with established policies, regulations and procedures.
• Utilizes various electronic and/or manual locking devices designed to keep areas of facility secure.
• Patrols the outside perimeter of the facility.
• Transports or may assist with the transport of inmates to and from other facilities, court appearances, off-premise medical appointments, emergency medical treatment facilities and court issued programs and clinics,
• Assists in coordinating jail-to-courtroom video monitored court proceedings, observes, controls directs inmates during procedures.
• May operate emergency vehicles as directed.
• Periodically checks to ensure that fire suppressant systems are operational.
• Collects contraband introduced into facility and conducts further investigation to ascertain the source of such.
• Secures crime or emergency scenes within and/or upon the grounds of the correctional facility.
• May photograph and/or collect evidence for investigative purposes within correctional facility or institution.
• May assist in the activities involved in classifying inmates and coordinating inmate records.
• May receive inmates into custody, conduct searches and make initial assessment of inmate for health, safety and security reasons.
• May perform programmatic services such as providing inmates access to educational programs, law library, entry programs and other services available during and after incarceration for rehabilitation needs.
• Monitors incoming and outgoing mail per established guidelines.
• May oversee the work of inmates assigned to food service, housekeeping and/or laundry duties.
• May maintain, record and distribute supplies as necessary.
• May assist in the development and delivery of basic agency training for newly appointed employees and ongoing training for current employees.
• May conduct tours and information sessions of the correctional facility,
• May supervise inmates and offenders sentenced to court ordered programs or services as directed and/or authorized by the County.
• May take part in a specialized unit (Emergency Services} requiring additional training and/or certification, such as SWAT, SORT/SOG (Special Operations Group, Bomb Squad, HAZMAT, K-9, MART (Mass Arrest Response Team) or Hostage/Crisis Negotiation Team.
• Will be required to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office or related units.

 Knowledge and Abilities:

• Ability to enforce facility rules and keep order, to think and respond quickly in emergency situations.
• Ability to cope with crisis situations.
• Ability to understand and follow orders and written directions.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with inmates, coworkers and the general public.
• Ability to exercise sound judgement in a wide array of situations.
• Ability to prepare dear, sound, accurate and informative reports containing findings, conclusions and recommendations.
• Ability to maintain essential records and files.
• Ability to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office or related units.
• Ability to read, write, speak, understand and communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
• Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible if they can perform the essential functions of the job after reasonable accommodation is made to their known limitations. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.
• Knowledge of the rules and regulations relating to the operation and security of an adult correctional facility institution, after a period of training.

NOTE:The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification, Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed. Appointments maybe made to positions requiring bilingual skills. Applicants must be able to read, write, speak, understand or communicate in English and Spanish sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. (01403@ - Bilingual in Spanish and English)

Requirements:

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• AGE: Minimum of eighteen (18) years of age.
• Appointees must possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey.
• CITIZENSHIP: Must be a citizen of the United States.
• Appointees may be required to possess a valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL) and applicable endorsements for the class and type of vehicle being operated. The responsibility for ensuring that employees possess the required motor vehicle license, commensurate with the class and type of vehicles the operate, rests with the Appointing Authority.
• Applicants for this position must submit acceptable proof of meeting the above indicated requirements,

 Special Qualifications:

• Appointees must have successfully completed a police training course approved by the New Jersey Police Training Commission. Such training includes successful attainment of a satisfactory level of proficiency in the use of firearms.
• Appointees will be required to qualify/requalify in the use of firearms in accordance with State of New Jersey regulatory requirements.
• Appointees to positions in SWAT, SERT or related units must additionally qualify quarterly in the use of all weapons used by the unit.

Medical Examination:

• Appointees may be required to pass a thorough medical and psychological examination administered by the appointing authority. Any medical psychological or physical condition or defect which would prevent efficient performance of the duties of the position, cause the appointee to be a hazard to self or others, or become aggravated as a result of performance of these duties, will be cause for rejection. Appointees may be required to undergo a psychiatric examination. Failure to demonstrate sufficient capacity to perform duties of this position may be cause for rejection.

The anticipated starting base pay for this position is:

• $45,000+ per year, depending on experience and qualifications. Overtime eligible.

Build your future while helping shape the future of your community. At Middlesex County, we’re committed to supporting our employees with competitive benefits and a workplace that values well-being and balance. Middlesex County is proud to provide the resources, support, and flexibility employees need to thrive both professionally and personally.

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Our 2,000+ employees work together to provide the services and support that make Middlesex County one of the healthiest, safest, and sustainable places to live work and play. We’re preparing for the future today with our Destination 2040 plan to help local businesses and residents grow and adapt to a continuously changing world.

You can build your own future while helping to build the future of your community. With competitive benefits, including a pension plan, on-site wellness coaches, and health and dental insurance, Middlesex County offers the support employees need. The County also promotes a healthy work-life balance with generous vacation, sick, and holiday leave.

Middlesex County is the most diverse county in New Jersey, and our employees reflect the dynamic energy of the County. We have locations throughout the County, from our downtown New Brunswick offices to our healthcare facilities to our parks system. No matter your interests and skills, there’s a place for you in Middlesex County. Build your career and your community – apply for a position with Middlesex County today.

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Middlesex County is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status or any other characteristic protected by law.