Detention Deputy (April 2027 Academy)

at Ada County Sheriff's Office in Boise, Idaho, United States

Job Description

At the Ada County Sheriff's Office, our mission is simple: to make safer places for you to live, work, and play. As a Detention Deputy, you'll be an essential part of that mission by maintaining a safe, secure, and professional detention facility where the safety of staff, inmates, and the community comes first.

This is more than a job—it's an opportunity to serve with integrity, lead with professionalism, and make a meaningful difference every day. Whether you're helping maintain order, responding to emergencies, or treating people with dignity and respect, your work directly supports public safety and strengthens our community.

Every day brings new challenges and opportunities to make an impact. As a Detention Deputy, you will:

• Maintain the security and custody of inmates while ensuring a safe and orderly facility.
• Conduct routine security checks throughout the jail, including the building perimeter and grounds.
• Enforce Idaho law and Sheriff's Office policies to maintain safety, security, and accountability.
• Process and classify inmates, assign appropriate housing, and safeguard inmate property.
• Supervise inmate activities, including visitation, meals, housing unit sanitation, and trustee work assignments.
• Conduct searches for weapons and contraband to protect staff, inmates, and visitors.
• Safely transport inmates to court appearances, medical appointments, and other authorized locations.
• Respond quickly and effectively to emergencies, including physically restraining actively resisting inmates when necessary.
• Maintain accurate reports and documentation that support daily operations and legal requirements.
• Work collaboratively with fellow staff members and remain available for rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, holidays, and on-call assignments.
• Support the Sheriff's Office through special assignments and other duties as needed.

We're looking for individuals who are dependable, resilient, and committed to serving others. Successful Detention Deputies demonstrate professionalism in every interaction and can confidently make sound decisions in challenging situations.

You should have:

• A high school diploma or equivalent.
• Be at least 21 years of age at the time of hire.
• United States citizenship.
• Knowledge of English grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• The ability to remain calm, respectful, and professional when faced with difficult or confrontational situations.
• The ability to hear, listen to, and understand radio transmissions using an earpiece.
• Sound judgment and the ability to recognize and respond appropriately to safety concerns.
• The physical ability to perform the essential functions of the position, including restraining combative inmates when necessary.
• The ability to effectively communicate with inmates, coworkers, and the public while maintaining professionalism.

Minimum Qualifications

To join our team, candidates must successfully complete:

• Written examination
• POST Physical Agility Test
• Polygraph examination
• Comprehensive background investigation
• Medical examination
• Psychological evaluation

After hire, you must:

• Obtain Idaho POST certification as a Detention Officer within one year.
• Maintain a valid Idaho driver's license.
• Meet the requirements of this safety-sensitive position, including random drug testing.

Working in a correctional facility is demanding and potentially dangerous, but it is also one of the most rewarding careers in public safety. You'll work as part of a highly trained team that depends on one another to maintain a safe environment and respond effectively when challenges arise.

This position requires the physical ability to respond quickly during emergencies, intervene in inmate altercations, evacuate or assist injured individuals, and provide first aid or CPR when needed.