Correctional Officer

Under direct supervision, monitors and supervises the movement and activities of inmates at the St. Clair County Jail, ensuring inmate welfare, maintenance of jail security, and adherence to both departmental policy and applicable state statute; performs related booking, admitting, and release functions.

Illustrative examples of work:

1. Receives books, and admits incoming prisoners; photographs, fingerprints, and searches prisoners; inventories property and assigns storage lockers; completes required paper work; orders showers, issues jail uniforms and assigns prisoners to cell blocks

2. Releases prisoners meeting bond requirements, those exonerated in the court system, and inmates having fulfilled jail terms; checks release papers, verifies identity of prisoner being released, and returns clothing and other possessions.

3. Performs duties in the maintenance of jail security to include, but not to be limited to, the following: the performance of headcounts; 30-minute cell checks; the supervision of all inmate movement within the facility; shakedowns of inmates and quarters; the guarding of inmates during recreational activities, interviews, and visitations; the inspection of items and persons entering and leaving jail areas the quelling of disturbances; and the transportation of persons to and from court appearances.

4. Supervises tenders in the service of meals to inmates, ensuring that each inmate receives only one meal tray and that all trays and utensils are returned following meal service.

5. Issues medications to inmates for whom they have been prescribed; notifies superior authority of inmate requests for medical attention and preforms first aid in emergency situations.

6. Operates jail commissary; controls commissary bank; issues monies to inmates from their accounts and records transactions; monitors commissary room activity.

7. Supervises tenders in the performance of custodial/housekeeping functions to include the cleaning of cell block areas and corridors, the laundering of bedding and uniforms, and similar activities.

8. Remains observant of inmate attitude/behavior; maintains control over behavior and circumstances which are potentially volatile; directs inmate compliance with jail rules and regulations; reports infractions, prepares incident reports, and files charges against inmates as needed.

9. Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Age Requirements: Must be at least 18 years of age.

            Education:     Requires knowledge , skill, and mental development. High School diploma.

Experience;

Requires successful completion of the Correctional Officer’s Training Program though the State of Illinois, Department of Corrections within a reasonable period od time following employment.

Requires successful competition of the Mandatory Firearms Training Program through the local Government Law Enforcement Officers Training Board within a reasonable period of time following employment.

Requires possession of a valid Illinois Vehicle Operator’s License in the appropriate classification required by law.

Requires elementary knowledge of the “Illinois County Jail Standards,” as issued by the state of Illinois, Department of Corrections.

 Requires elementary knowledge of departmental rules and regulations governing jail facility operations.

Requires elementary knowledge of the theories, methods, and procedures utilized in maintaining the security of a correctional facility.

Requires elementary knowledge of the activities and interrelationships of the various functional components of the criminal justice system.

Requires elementary knowledge of first aid.

Requires alertness and the ability to maintain jail security in accordance with facility rules and regulations and applicable law.

Requires ability to supervise the activities of inmates in accordance with facility rules and standards guiding their handling and conduct.

Requires ability to comprehend the special problems of and deal humanely with individuals in confinement.

Requires ability to respond to emergency situations quickly and decisively.

Requires ability to function effectively under conditions of stress.

Requires ability to justify and document chosen courses of action.

Requires ability to employ both authority and firmness in all transactions with inmates.

Requires ability to prepare requisite records and reports.

Requires ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.

Requires ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers and the general public.