Detention Sergeant

Job Description

JOB TITLE: Detention (Jail) Sergeant DEPARTMENT: Sheriff's Office (Jail location) STATUS: Full-time STARTING SALARY: The anticipated start date for this role is January 2027, with a starting salary of $30.66/hr, based on the 2027 pay grid. *Mark your calendar! The tentatively selected interview date will be Thursday, November 5th.

JOB OBJECTIVES:

The Primary purpose of the Detention Sergeant position is to maintain the safety and security of this 156-bed facility and all personnel within the secure perimeter, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The Detention Sergeant is responsible for inmates, the public inside the jail, civilian staff, and county staff. Complying with all federal, state, county, and local policies and procedures (Emergency and day-to-day) and training all staff on these procedures as it pertains to the Douglas County Jail. This position requires the ability to make immediate decisions in the enforcement of all the above-mentioned areas. The Detention Sergeant will also coordinate with and assist various agencies in their interactions with our inmates. The Detention Sergeant is also responsible for supervising Correctional Officer staff, answering questions, and solving any problems that they do not know the answers to. A Detention Sergeant can also be assigned as a Training and Compliance Sergeant who oversees all training of staff, volunteers, and vendors that work in the jail to remain compliant with DOC policy, PREA standards, and Lexipol. The position requires independent judgment, immediate decision-making, and leadership to maintain secure, humane, and professional operations.

Examples of Duties / Knowledge & Skills ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The duties listed are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of those specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. Supervising correctional staff, civilian staff, contractors, and volunteers within the secure perimeter of the Douglas County Jail. -Observe staff to make sure that they are mentally, physically, and emotionally fit for duty. -Follow up with staff to make sure that the post orders are completed. Make sure inmates are assigned daily urine tests; it is documented that the test was taken in the UA lab and on the whiteboard, and whether it was a non-negative or negative. Confirm that the new UA list for the following day has been posted on whiteboards in the units so the staff coming on duty are aware which inmate needs to give a urine test. -Assign cell searches for each unit, ensuring that the cell search was completed and that it was documented on the whiteboard. Staff is assigned a daily cell inspection/walk through form which needs to be signed off each day. Once the correctional staff has completed the cell inspection/walk through for their rotation, that form is turned in and signed off by a Sergeant. Once the form has been signed off by a Sergeant, it is given to Jail Administration. -Verify staff stocked the units on the last night of their rotation. This includes toilet paper, paper towels, soap, shampoo, toothbrushes, combs, and dish soap. -Verify that staff have checked release dates for the next shift so that they are aware that Inmates are being released on their shift. -Verify staff review future commitment dates & scheduled Book & Release documentation before shift change to ensure operational readiness for anticipated inmate check-ins and admissions during the upcoming shift. -Ensure that all personal inmates' laundry is being washed for STS/ICWC on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturdays, and that all inmates have laundry exchange each day and that all inmates have laundry exchange completed daily. -Ensure staff in Master Control continually check Portals to see if there are any messages pertaining to hit confirmations (warrants), transports in other counties that need to be moved, and deliver that information on to the transportation division so they can schedule pick-up, and messages from the DOC placing a detainer (holds) on their offenders. Complete the Performance Evaluations for 24 Correctional Officers -Prepare performance evaluations by reviewing job descriptions, previous evaluations, previous goals, disciplinary history, commendations, training completed during prior evaluation period, and data such as attendance and reports. -Evaluate compliance with policies and procedures, professional conduct, completion of prior goals, and impact on the team taking on tasks. -Write the evaluation using clear and professional language while focusing on observable behaviors and measurable results; ensure comments support performance, identify strengths and areas for improvement, and address any policy compliance and development needs for career growth. -Assist with employee goal setting that aligns with office mission and the employee’s skill set and development goals with organizational objectives. -Conduct the employee evaluation that includes scheduling the meeting in advance, in a private setting, allowing adequate time for discussion, explaining the purpose of the evaluation, discussing strengths and areas needing improvement with specific reasons, inviting feedback, and documenting any acknowledgements and disagreements in writing as part of the discussion. -Upon completion of the evaluation, finalize the document with Human Resources and the employee, provide coaching, monitor progress if needed, and continue documentation to support future evaluations and corrective or developmental actions. -Reviewing Bookings -Reviewing the CID to verify accuracy of personal identifiers, including physical appearance, weight, height, hair color, address, phone number. Make sure that information was imported into the booking. -Making sure comments are entered in the booking concerning what agency arrested the individual, the Officer or Deputy that did the arrest, what they were arrested for, information pertaining to QP/POR both being clear, to list if there were any medications at the time of arrest and if there was a team account created. -Verify inmate classification is completed using the MN BCA system and that all violent felony convictions are accurately documented to ensure appropriate housing placement and security level assignment. -Checking to make sure that all the information in the charge field is entering correctly consisting of: Arresting Agency, Case number, if a warrant; the court file number, arrest date, arrest time, the Officer that arrested, the state statue for the nature of the arrest, degree of charge, comment field information pertaining to the arrest whether it is a warrant or the original charge, update the status; which is if they a hold for court or a release when sober, date and which Correctional Officer completed the booking. -Review that the property is all listed accurately. Date, time, who entered the property, type, location of property, what type of clothing or personal items the individual had when arrested, bag number the property was put into, whether the property was stored in property storage or released to others. -Check to ensure the Holds information has been completed to include if the individual has medication, warrants out of other agencies, a texter issued to them, or if there are any special circumstances that need to be addressed before the individual can be released. This includes inmates on a 15-minute checks for suicidal tendencies making sure we call the Region 4 Team to have them meet with the inmate before release to decide if they are well enough or need to be brought to ER to have an evaluation by a medical doctor. -If the individual was arrested for any type of assault and there was a victim involved, the victim information needs to be filled out, and the victim’s number is blocked. - -Sergeants need to ensure that the proper paperwork is filled out. Some forms that Sergeants need to review when completed include: Zero Tolerance Sexual Misconduct. This is read to each inmate, and they need to answer four yes or no questions. If any of the questions are answered yes, and a copy is given to the Captain or Lieutenant for follow-up or to determine housing options based on the inmate’s answers. Sexual Violence Assessment Tool is also completed, which will tell us if they are considered a victim or a predator. We go through a series of questions including their age, their sexual preference, how many times they have been incarcerated, and whether the offense was violent or non-violent. The Inmate scores will decide where they are placed in a housing unit for the safety of themselves or other inmates. -During this process, the Inmate is also given a Sexual Assault Awareness Pamphlet; they are also told that Douglas County has zero tolerance for sexual abuse assault, rape or sexual harassment and that they could be prosecuted under MN State Law. The Inmate is also given numerous ways to give a sexual assault complaint; sergeants will make sure to ask them if they understand the information that we just went over. Classification Form to determine where the inmate will be housed. This is completed by running their criminal history, meeting with the inmate, and gathering information (how many times been in jail, probation, or parole, if they have been sexually assaulted or accused of sexually assaulting someone, medical issues), which is important to be properly housed for the safety of staff and other inmates in the facility. -The Tennessen Warning form makes the Inmate aware that some of the questions they will be asked may involve public, private, and confidential information. Sergeants will go over the Intake Checklist after the booking is completed, making sure it has been signed off. Sergeants will make sure Court paperwork gets filled out for the degree of charge, the Public Defender Form is completed and signed, and the Pre-Trial Questionnaire Form is filled out. Training and Compliance Sergeant oversee the Correctional Officers assigned FTO duties. -Ensure that a DOR (Daily Observation Report) is completed for every shift staff are being trained, logging into how the trainee performed and what they did on that shift. With new employees being trained with the high turnover rate, the Detention Sergeants are continuously providing daily corrective actions for on-the-job training.

• FTO Supervisor and Annual staff training coordinator for 44 custody staff to comply with DOC, PREA, and Lexipol standards. Facilitates regular meetings with the FTO’s and ensures proper training notes are being completed for the trainees to successfully pass our FTO program.
• DOC compliance for daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual standards for 44 custody staff.
• DOC compliance for monthly, quarterly, and annual training standards for regular vendors and contractors entering the jail.
• PREA compliance and training for the required 45 standards for 44 custody staff.
• Lexipol training academy coordinator for 44 custody staff.
• Jail academy coordinator– consisting of Inmate Behavioral Management/Direct Supervision Training, which is a 4-day training on interpersonal communications and a 2-day direct supervision training for every new Correctional Officer hired.

-This Training Sergeant position is responsible for fulfilling the MN State Statute requirements (Rules 2911 series) for County Jail training standards for the 11 statutes and direct involvement with training, which increases the quality of the training, the organization of records, and meets all the statutory requirements at a proficient level. Sergeants make calls to on-call Medical - Oversee that all medical issues are being addressed, such as taking vitals for high-risk inmates, inventory of all the medications brought into the facility, including controlled substances. -Help staff deliver medication to inmates daily and inventory the medications on the medication cart. -Assess the intake of all incoming inmates for any medical, mental health, level of intoxication, and suicidal issues, and make the decision for acceptance into the facility or determine if the inmate needs to go to the emergency room or detox. These issues need to be addressed before allowing the inmate into the facility. For inmates who are having medical issues, we ensure the on-call Nurse is notified and given the information pertaining to the inmate so we can coordinate appropriate care. Well-being checks - Making sure they are done in a timely and quality manner within the DOC standards. Sergeants will review the well-being checks done by Correctional Officer staff using Guardian System. Guardian logs show every well-being check done by staff. -This is completed by scanning the red tags on doors with a storage device called the Spartan. While reviewing well-being checks, if there is a check that was missed, Sergeants must go back to the video surveillance system and watch to see if the check was completed. At times, there are numerous checks to be reviewed by video to see if the check was missed or if the Spartan did not connect to the door. If there is a late well-being check, a report will be completed by the staff member who is responsible for the late check. Sergeants then determine if they will complete a Feedback Form or do a verbal coaching session, letting the staff member know that all required checks are completed in accordance with DOC policy to maintain compliance, reduce liability, and support safe, lawful operations. -Meet with that employee and discuss a resolution to ensure the employee is getting their well-being checks done in a timely and quality manner. Once it has been discussed with the employee, the form will be passed on to Jail Administration. Day-to-day operations report for pass-on; review all reports, notice of violations. -Conduct Formal Hearings by meeting with the inmate, letting them know what we are doing, letting them know what they have been accused of and what the sanctions will be. Informing them that if they do not agree with the sanctions that they have so much time to appeal their sanctions to an appeals board that the Assistant Jail Administrator assigns. A report will be written of what was discussed, what the sanctions are, when they are out of lockdown, if any was given, and if there were any changes to their classification. Once that is completed, Sergeants' reports are sent to Jail Administration to make them aware of the Formal Hearing and to review the report. A copy of their sanctions is given to the inmate so they are aware what they were locked down for, when their hour out is, and what they can have and cannot have. -Inmate Kite Requests: Sergeants are required to answer message/requests from all inmates in a timely manner. This can include researching the complaint, talking with the inmate, other inmates involved, speaking with staff about the incident, reviewing recorded camera footage, and making sure reports, if needed, are completed. Forward reports to Administration if more follow-up is needed. -Coordinate with other counties and MN DOC for housing of their Inmates for short- and long-term within our facility. -Sergeants are also expected to do daily walk-throughs within the facility for compliance with PREA and must be unannounced to inmates and staff. The walk-through checks to make sure that all inmates are acting/dressing appropriately. This is also the time when, if any of the Inmates have a concern, they can speak with the Sergeant. -Sergeants oversee setting up a weekly lock and key check to make sure that all things are in working order. This includes the inside and the outside of the facility. Any repairs needed need to be a work order sent to maintenance and Jail Administration. -Create a daily court schedule for new in custodies and those who are scheduled for court. This is for all inmates, no matter what county they are being housed for. -Review any reports by staff for errors. Talk with staff about their reports and have them correct them before forwarding them to administration. If calls are received by hospital staff, Sergeants notify the transport deputy of the pending transport. If no transport deputy is on shift, coordinate with other Correctional Officer staff trained in transport or with the on-duty Road Sergeant to arrange coverage. Other -Complies with all rules and policies to maintain a safe work environment. -Reliable, predictable attendance and punctuality. -Other duties, as assigned or apparent.

Access to Not Public Data In this job, you may come across private or confidential information about people we serve. This data is protected by law and should only be viewed or used when it’s truly needed for your work. You are expected to only look at private data when your job duties require it. Keep it secure and make sure others who don’t need to see it don’t have access, stop accessing the data once your task is done, and store or dispose of it properly, following the rules in Minnesota’s Data Practices Act (Chapter 13). If your job duties change and you need access to different private data, that access should also be limited to only what you need to do your job.

Minimum Qualifications & Requirements

REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AT HIRE:

Education Must have completed the coursework required for graduation from high school in Minnesota or its equivalent. Experience Must have a minimum of three (3) years of experience in Corrections or Law Enforcement.

Licenses and Other Requirements:

Physical Fitness: The Detention Sergeant must be free from any physical disabilities that would prevent execution of assigned duties. The Detention Sergeant must be physically fit to perform all duties assigned and be able to perform any physical fitness standards that may be set by the Sheriff's Office. Must possess a minimum of a valid Class D Minnesota Driver's License at all times. The Detention Sergeant shall successfully pass any tests and examinations required by the Sheriff or Jail Administration and maintain an operating telephone in their residence so that they may be reached in case of an emergency. Portals, Armer Radio Certification, 1st Aid & CPR Certification, Use of Force Training, IPC & Direct Supervision Training, Predatory Offender Registration, Fingerprint Machine REQUIRED MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES, & QUALITIES AT HIRE:Qualities, Knowledge and Abilities: -A Detention Sergeant must possess good character, good judgment, thorough knowledge of the working environment, and should possess knowledge of department, state, and federal regulations, policies, and rules governing the jail, with the ability to supervise subordinates. The Detention Sergeant must be a good listener, have compassion, understanding, and integrity, and shall possess social and general intelligence with good interpersonal communication skills, problem-solving skills, ability to communicate with inmates, staff members, and the public courteously, tactfully, and firmly as needed. A Detention Sergeant must have good written skills and the ability to accurately and legibly compile and prepare reports. Supplemental information

PREFERRED / DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience Please see required minimum qualifications at hire.

Physical Demands can involve, but are not limited to: Amount Lifted: Amount Lifted Up to 10 lbs.:Frequent: = Range: 2 hrs., 40 min to 5 hrs., 17 min or 88 to 172 days; Amount Lifted 11 to 20 lbs.: Frequent: = Range: 2 hrs., 40 min to 5 hrs., 17 min or 88 to 172 days; Amount Lifted 21 to 30 lbs.: Frequent: = Range: 2 hrs., 40 min to 5 hrs., 17 min or 88 to 172 days; Amount Lifted 31 lbs. to 40 lbs.: Frequent: = Range: 2 hrs., 40 min to 5 hrs., 17 min or 88 to 172 days; Amount Lifted 41 to 50 lbs.: Occasional: = Range: 49 min to 2 hrs., 39 min or 29 to 86 days; Amount Lifted 51 to 60 lbs.: Occasional: = Range: 49 min to 2 hrs., 39 min or 29 to 86 days; Amount Lifted 61 to 70 lbs.: Occasional: = Range: 49 min to 2 hrs., 39 min or 29 to 86 days; Amount Lifted 71 to 80 lbs.: Occasional: = Range: 49 min to 2 hrs., 39 min or 29 to 86 days; Amount Lifted 81 to 90 lbs.: Occasional: = Range: 49 min to 2 hrs., 39 min or 29 to 86 days; Amount Lifted 91 to 100 lbs.: Occasional: = Range: min or 29 to 86 days; Amount Lifted 101+ lbs.: Occasional: = Range: 49 min to 2 hrs., 39 min or 29 to 86 days Amount Pushed or Pulled: Amount Pushed or Pulled Up to 10 lbs.: Frequent: = Range: 2 hrs., 40 min to 5 hrs., 17 min or 88 to 172 days; Amount Pushed or Pulled 11 to 20 lbs.: Occasional: = Range: 49 min to 2 hrs., 39 min or 29 to 86 days; Amount Pushed or Pulled 21 to 30 lbs.: Occasional: = Range: 49 min to 2 hrs., 39 min or 29 to 86 days; Amount Pushed or Pulled 31 to 40 lbs.: Occasional: = Range: 49 min to 2 hrs., 39 min or 29 to 86 days; Amount Pushed or Pulled 41 to 50 lbs.: Rare: = Range: 5 min to 48 min or 2.6 to 26 days; Amount Pushed or Pulled 51 to 60 lbs.: Rare: = Range: 5 min to 48 min or 2.6 to 26 days; Amount Pushed or Pulled 61 to 70 lbs.: Rare: = Range: 5 min to 48 min or 2.6 to 26 days; Amount Pushed or Pulled 71 to 80 lbs.: Rare: = Range: 5 min to 48 min or 2.6 to 26 days; Amount Pushed or Pulled 81 to 90 lbs.: Rare: = Range: 5 min to 48 min or 2.6 to 26 days; Amount Pushed or Pulled 91 to 100 lbs.: Rare: = Range: 5 min to 48 min or 2.6 to 26 days; Amount Pushed or Pulled 101+ lbs.: Rare: = Range: 5 min to 48 min or 2.6 to 26 days Vision: Near Vision: Constant: = Range: 5 hrs., 18 min to 8 hours or 174+ days; Far Vision: Constant: = Range: 5 hrs., 18 min to 8 hours or 174+ days; Depth: Constant: = Range: 5 hrs., 18 min to 8 hours or 174+ days; Field of Vision: Frequent: = Range: 2 hrs., 40 min to 5 hrs., 17 min or 88 to 172 days; color:inherit: = Range: 5 hrs., 18 min to 8 hours or 174+ days Contact With Others: Works Alone: Occasional: = Range: 49 min to 2 hrs., 39 min or 29 to 86 days; Works with Others: Constant: = Range: 5 hrs., 18 min to 8 hours or 174+ days; Works around Others: Constant: = Range: 5 hrs., 18 min to 8 hours or 174+ days; Customer/Public Contact: Occasional: = Range: 49 min to 2 hrs., 39 min or 29 to 86 days; Clients with Behavior Challenges: Constant: = Range: 5 hrs., 18 min to 8 hours or 174+ days; Communications: Talking: Frequent: = Range: 2 hrs., 40 min to 5 hrs., 17 min or 88 to 172 days; Hearing: Frequent: = Range: 2 hrs., 40 min to 5 hrs., 17 min or 88 to 172 days; Reading: Frequent: = Range: 2 hrs., 40 min to 5 hrs., 17 min or 88 to 172 days Basic Body Positions: Sitting: Occasional: = Range: 49 min to 2 hrs., 39 min or 29 to 86 days; Standing: Frequent: = Range: 2 hrs., 40 min to 5 hrs., 17 min or 88 to 172 days; Walking/Moving About: Frequent: = Range: 2 hrs., 40 min to 5 hrs., 17 min or 88 to 172 days; Climbing: Frequent: = Range: 2 hrs., 40 min to 5 hrs., 17 min or 88 to 172 days; Balancing: Rare: = Range: 5 min to 48 min or 2.6 to 26 days; Crouching: Occasional: = Range: 49 min to 2 hrs., 39 min or 29 to 86 days; Kneeling: Rare: = Range: 5 min to 48 min or 2.6 to 26 days; Crawling: Rare: = Range: 5 min to 48 min or 2.6 to 26 days Motor Skills: Handling: Rare: = Range: 5 min to 48 min or 2.6 to 26 days; Grasping: Occasional: = Range: 49 min to 2 hrs., 39 min or 29 to 86 days; Using Fingers: Frequent: = Range: 2 hrs., 40 min to 5 hrs., 17 min or 88 to 172 days; Reaching: Occasional: = Range: 49 min to 2 hrs., 39 min or 29 to 86 days; Feeling: Occasional: = Range: 49 min to 2 hrs., 39 min or 29 to 86 days; Driving: Rare: = Range: 5 min to 48 min or 2.6 to 26 days Exposures To: Mechanical Equipment: Rare: = Range: 5 min to 48 min or 2.6 to 26 days; Electrical Equipment: Rare: = Range: 5 min to 48 min or 2.6 to 26 days; Pressurized Equipment: Rare: = Range: 5 min to 48 min or 2.6 to 26 days; Burning Material/Equip: Not Present; Explosive: Not Present; Radiant Energy: Not Present; Moving Equipment: Rare: = Range: 5 min to 48 min or 2.6 to 26 days; Heights: Occasional: = Range: 49 min to 2 hrs., 39 min or 29 to 86 days; Fumes/Odors: Occasional: = Range: 49 min to 2 hrs., 39 min or 29 to 86 days; Dirt/Dust: Not Present; Gases: Not Present Work Environment: Inside: Constant: = Range: 5 hrs., 18 min to 8 hours or 174+ days; Outside: Rare: = Range: 5 min to 48 min or 2.6 to 26 days; Confined : Rare: = Range: 5 min to 48 min or 2.6 to 26 days; Extreme Hot: Not Present; Extreme Cold: Not Present; Wet: Rare: = Range: 5 min to 48 min or 2.6 to 26 days; Noise: Rare: = Range: 5 min to 48 min or 2.6 to 26 days; Vibration: Not Present; Infectious Diseases and/or Body Fluids: Frequent: = Range: 2 hrs., 40 min to 5 hrs., 17 min or 88 to 172 days; Shift : Constant: = Range: 5 hrs., 18 min to 8 hours or 174+ days; Extended Day: Constant: = Range: 5 hrs., 18 min to 8 hours or 174+ days

See also Physical and Environmental Factors Form.

EXAMPLES OF EQUIPMENT USED

Master Control Radio, Portable Radios, Taser, Handcuffs, Shackles, Waist belt, Chemical, Wrap Restraint, U/A cups, Automatic External Defibrillator, Oximeter, Blood Pressure Cuff, CPR mask, Oxygen Tank and regulator, 360 Disinfectant cart, Kyvac system, Floor Scrubber, Commercial Washer & Dryer, PBT, computer, computer programs, copy machine, Guardian system, Restraint bed, and Axon Body Worn Cameras. Software: Microsoft Word, Excel, Turnkey Corrections, Kronos, Google Chrome, Training Manager. Order Processing Systems: MGA, MyBCA, Statewide Supervision System, CIS, Reliance, Portals, Lexipol, Odyssey, Axon, POR database. OTHER All listed above are essential functions of the job.

BENEFITS: We also offer no-cost/low-cost health insurance plan options. Douglas County contributes to a Health Savings Account and a (PERA)pension plan. Douglas County is also a qualified Employer for the Public Sector Loan Forgiveness Program. Life Insurance–as a county employee, you will be covered by $40,000 of life insurance at no expense. Supplemental coverage is available for you, your spouse, and your dependents. The official holidays for this Douglas County position are: Floating (Personal) Holiday, New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Indigenous Peoples Day (Columbus Day), Veterans’ Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.

Vacations: Employees will accrue vacation according to the following schedule:

0 - 5 years - 10 working days. 6 -10 years - 15 working days. 11 - 15 years - 20 working days. 16 - 20 years - 25 working days. Over 20 years - 30 working days. Sick Leave/Earned Safe and Sick Time: An employee shall be credited with 1 day of sick leave for each month of service accumulative to 90 days. The first 48 hours (or up to 80 hours if any eligible time was carried over) will be counted as ESST.

Supervision Received: Supervised by Jail Administrator. Supervision Exercised: N/A Labor Group: Union-LELS FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Grade: 8 EEO Job Category: Protective Service Workers Work Comp Code: 7720 This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and the requirements of the job change.

Benefits

Douglas County offers an exceptional benefits package to full-time employees including vacation, sick, funeral leave, and holiday pay. Also included in this benefit package are health, dental, and life insurance; medical and dependent care reimbursement accounts (Section 125 Plan) and supplemental insurance; deferred compensation plan and Public Employees Retirement (PERA). For a more detailed overview of our benefits package, Click Here.

Benefits may offered on a pro-rata basis or not offered for less than full-time employment.