County of Nevada, CA
May, 2008
CORRECTIONAL OFFICER I/II
DEFINITION
Under general supervision, monitors and provides a safe and secure environment at a wide variety
of locations and facilities associated with the operations of the jail and courts; receives, books, and
houses arrestees; transports inmates providing armed security; monitors the activities of inmates
ensuring their safety and security; supervises inmate workers; assists patrol, dispatch and
supervisors as needed; and performs related work as required.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
Correctional Officer I:
This is the entry level class of the series. Initially under close supervision, incumbents learn and
perform a limited number of duties of increasing complexity. Incumbents normally advance to the
higher level after gaining sufficient experience and demonstrating proficiency to meet the
requirements of the higher level.
Correctional Officer II:
This is the journey-level class in the series, fully qualified to independently perform the full range of
duties. Incumbents may provide training and guidance to less experienced employees.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES (Illustrative Only)
Essential:

Receives arrestees at jail; determines need for restraints and applies handcuffs, martin
chain or leg irons as appropriate
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Escorts and books arrestees; conducts warrant checks, obtains finger prints and
searches personal property and arrestees for contraband and weapons
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Receives and reviews bail bonds for the courts and releases inmates from custody
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Moves inmates within the facility to various locations and transports inmates to outside
facilities such as hospitals, court sessions, other jails, prisons, etc.
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Monitors pods, inspects cells, counts inmates, and searches cells and inmates for
contraband and weapons and maintains security of the facility
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Responds to and deals with inmates exhibiting violent, irrational and/or psychotic
behaviors in a safe and effective manner
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Responds to and assists in dispelling any disturbances or altercations between inmates
within the jail facility
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Monitors inmate safety and well-being, ensures protection of their rights, and screens,
refers and/or responds to requests for medical attention or other matters
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Supervises and monitors inmates and inmate workers in various activities such as
laundry, maintenance, and other tasks and privileges
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Performs Central Control, Front Counter and booking duties
Important:

Classifies inmates by charges; reviews criminal history, medical requirements and
classification criteria to assign detention areas; determines type of restraints and
equipment needed to transport inmates safely
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
Counsels inmates on behavioral standards, documents infractions of jail rules, and
participates in determining and implementing disciplinary actions
QUALIFICATIONS
NOTE: The required level and scope of the following knowledge and skills relate to the level of
the position as defined in the class characteristics.
Knowledge of:

Correct English grammar, spelling and punctuation
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Operations of computers at a basic level
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Principles, practices, procedures and terminology used in law enforcement correctional
work
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Applicable laws, codes and regulations governing the detention, release and legal rights
of inmates
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Techniques for dealing with a variety of people under hostile and emergency situations

Operation and maintenance of equipment used in the County jail

Proper methods of restraint and transportation of inmates

Methods and procedures of firearm use and safety
Skill in:
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Handling the physical aspects of hostile, emergency situations
Learning new tasks quickly
Making sound decisions under pressure
Communicating with hostile people in confined and uncomfortable environments
Preparing incident reports and maintaining records
Making rapid, sound independent judgments within legal and procedural guidelines
Determining appropriate responses to situations involving the custody and security of jail
inmates
Interpreting and applying applicable codes, regulations and policies
Predicting and preventing problems between inmates in confined areas
Applying basic first aid and CPR
Education and Experience:
Level I:
High school diploma or GED. Completion of additional coursework from an accredited
college or university in law enforcement or a related field, and previous paid or volunteer
experience in a law enforcement support setting is desirable.
Level II (in addition to the above):
Supplemental education from an accredited college or university, and training in peace
officer and correctional officer standards and practices; and one year of experience at a
level equivalent to the Correctional Officer I classification in Nevada County.
Licenses and Certificates:
Both levels:
Possession of a valid driver's license within 30 days of hire.
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Level I:
Compliance with all relevant pre- and post-employment training requirements of Penal
Code sections 830 through 832 and section 6035, including firearms and arrest and
seizure certification, and State Board of Corrections mandated core training, within 12
months of employment. Must qualify and pass at the firearms range on a quarterly basis,
to carry a semi-automatic handgun.
Level II (in addition to the above):
Compliance with all relevant pre- and post-employment training requirements of Penal
Code sections 830 through 832 and section 6035, including firearms and arrest and
seizure certification, and State Board of Corrections mandated core training, prior to
employment.
Physical Demands and Working Conditions:
Possess ample strength and agility to restrain people alone and with the assistance of
others while wearing a duty belt and ballistic vest, and lift or maneuver people weighing
more than 165 pounds; mobility to perform the full range of reaching, bending, grasping
and climbing movements; manual dexterity to operate restraints, firearms, pod consoles,
and computer keyboards; ability to wear respiratory protection equipment; vision
sufficient to qualify for firearms certification; sufficient speech and hearing to
communicate in person and via telephone and radio.
Ability to work in a closed, stressful and noisy environment which may include exposure
to communicable disease, violent behavior, and physical altercations.
Must work overtime, on-call, weekends and holidays.
Some accommodations may be made for some physical demands for otherwise qualified
individuals who require and request such accommodations. Successful applicants must
also pass the PC 832 Arrest & Firearms training and Correctional Officer Core Course
within one year of appointment. The physical testing required for these courses are as
follows: complete a 50 yard sprint within 20 seconds, demonstrate ability to drag a 165 lb
weight (dummy) for a distance of 20 feet or more within 30 seconds, demonstrate ability
to walk a total distance of 75 feet within 30 seconds while wearing a 30 lb backpack,
walk/run a 15 yard distance plus flight of 10 stairs up and back within seconds.
Other Requirements:
Both Levels:
Must be at least 18 years of age.
Must be a United States citizen within one year of appointment.
Must not have convictions for a felony.
Must submit to and pass a background investigation, psychological evaluation, medical
examination and a voice stress test.
This class description lists the major duties and requirements of the job and is not allinclusive. Not all duties are necessarily performed by each incumbent. Incumbents may
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be expected to perform job-related duties other than those contained in this document
and may be required to have specific job-related knowledge and skills.
FLSA:
NE