County Correctional Police Officer

Department: Public Safety

Location: Mays Landing

Hours: 40/week (overtime as necessary)

Union/Mgmt: Union

NJCSC Test Required: No

Grant Funded: No

Definition: The processing for this position involves a comprehensive background check which must be passed at all phases and includes: criminal background check, psychological examination, medical examination, and interview screening. Under supervision during an assigned tour of duty within an adult county correctional facility or institution, performs a wide variety of tasks in support of the safety, security and welfare of inmates, facility personnel and visitors; performs other related duties as required.

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.

Requirements:

• EDUCATION: High School Diploma or equivalent.
• AGE: Minimum of eighteen (18) years of age.
• LICENSE: Valid NJ drivers license.
• CITIZENSHIP: Must be a citizen of the United States.
• SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS: Appointees must have successfully completed the Basic Course for County Correction Officers training program mandated by the New Jersey Police Training Commissions within 12 months of hire. Such training includes successful attainment of a satisfactory level of proficiency in the use of firearms.

NOTE: Appointees will be required to qualify/requalify in the use of firearms in accordance with State of New Jersey regulatory requirements. NOTE: Appointees to positions in SWAT, SERT or related units must additionally qualify quarterly in the use of all weapons used by the unit.

NOTE: Every candidate shall undergo a thorough background investigation to verify his/her personal integrity.

MEDICAL EXAMINATION: Appointees will 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.

Examples of Work:

• 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.
• 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, climate 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.

Knowledge and Abilities:

• Knowledge of the rules and regulations relating to the operation and security of an adult correctional facility institution, after a period of training.
• Ability to enforce facility rules and keep order.
• Ability 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 clear, 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.

Atlantic County Employees: Atlantic County employees are members of a highly trained and experienced workforce where dedication, resourcefulness and creativity are valued and the work is stimulating. Our permanent employees (non-temporary/seasonal) receive outstanding benefits, which may include:

• Pension through New Jersey Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)
• Deferred Compensation (457) Plans
• 14 Paid Holidays
• Off, along with Paid Sick and Vacation Leave
• Longevity Stipends
• Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance
• Basic Life Insurance through pension plan
• Wellness Programs and Employee Assistance Program
• Educational Leave and Reimbursement Program

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer - Apply