Police Officer 1

Definition of Responsibility

Under general supervision, maintains care and custody of inmates, security, and order on and off the property of the Department of Corrections.

Examples of Essential Duties:

Assists in the receiving or discharging of inmates. Assures that inmates are searched, bathed, clothed, and assigned to cells. Confines and releases inmates from cells. Monitors inmate activities. Drives a County vehicle to transport and escort inmates to and from medical facilities and other locations. Supervises inmates on work details.

Patrols, on foot, the internal and external perimeters of the institution, making periodic inspections of conditions. Enforces rules and regulations governing the conduct of visitors. Examines packages to be received by inmates.

Maintains discipline and orderly conduct. Breaks up fights among inmates, restrains disorderly inmates. Uses appropriate self-defense tactics to deflect assault by inmates. Administers CPR and first aid. Investigates and handles emergencies and disorders within the Department of Corrections.

Operates radios, telephones, and other communication equipment. Prepares routine reports and records. Keeps inventory of various items. Attends State mandated training to achieve and maintain correctional officer certification.

Examples of Other Duties:

Performs general clerical duties. Assists in training new officers. Performs other related duties as required.

(NOTE: The duties and responsibilities listed above are for the purpose of determining a common set of minimum qualifications for all positions in this class. They may not include all of the essential job functions of each position in the class. Each position may not be required to perform all of the essential job functions listed.)

Minimum Qualifications

Training and Experience: Possession of a high school diploma or an appropriate equivalent.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (Entry Level):

Ability to count, to read, write, and speak the English language, to understand and carry out oral and written instructions, to operate a motor vehicle safely, to cope with situations in a firm and tactful manner with respect for the rights of others, to respond quickly and effectively, to make proper decisions under pressure, to learn from experience and apply knowledge gained effectively.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (Full Performance):

Knowledge of human relations, inmate character and habits, supervision of inmates, disciplinary, security, emergency, and safety policies and procedures, departmental rules and regulations, location of routine and emergency equipment, and appropriate terminology.

Skill in record keeping and report writing, using effective verbal and non-verbal communication, CPR, first-aid, riot control equipment, restraining devices, fire extinguishers and other security and safety equipment, and driving a County vehicle while monitoring inmates.

Ability to protect oneself and others, to handle hostile inmates with minimum amount of force, to observe and note unusual occurrences, to be aware of surroundings, to supervise inmates, to perform duties according to established policies, procedures, rules and regulations.

Age Requirements: Applicants must be at least 18 years of age at the time of appointment.

Citizenship Requirements: All applicants must be citizens or resident aliens of the United States at the time of application.

Character Requirements: All applicants must be of good moral character and emotionally and mentally stable, as determined by a comprehensive background investigation, a psychological examination, and a drug test.

Physical Requirements: Applicants must be able to safely perform the duties of the position without posing a threat to the health or safety of themselves or others, as determined by a test of physical ability. In addition, after accepting an appointment to a position within this classification, all candidates will be required to pass a physical examination.

Licenses and Certificates: Possession of a valid driver's license equivalent to a non-commercial Class C Maryland driver's license is required at the time of appointment.

Supplemental Information:

Physical and Environmental Conditions: The work of this classification entails frequent walking, standing, and the operation of vehicles. The work involves frequent interaction with an inmate population at various correctional facilities.

Conditions of Employment: Personnel appointed to this position will work an average scheduled workweek of 40 hours, which may include Saturday, Sunday, and holidays. Employees in this classification may be assigned to any of three shifts in order that twenty-four hour coverage is maintained.

All employees are subject to call to duty or overtime in emergencies with little or no notice.

During the first year of employment, the employee must receive certification as a correctional officer from the Correctional Training Commission.

Employees must pass retraining requirements as mandated throughout employment.

Travel: No