Corrections Officer

CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION
Alton, Illinois Job Description
Corrections Officer – Police Department

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES
The Corrections officer is responsible for day-to-day duties and functions within the jail. The Corrections officer is responsible for the proper completion of all required booking forms and procedures for detainees being brought into and released from the jail. His/her responsibilities will include functions pertaining to jail security, detainee care, and related functions as determined by the Chief of Police or their designee.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
▪ Intake and booking of detainees prior to incarceration, including the completion and maintenance of various reports/forms as deemed necessary by the Chief of Police or their designee.
▪ Verifying detainees’ identification as well as physical and mental condition upon arrival and prior to incarceration.
▪ Physical search of all detainees upon arrival in the jail, prior to incarceration, including those being transported to another agency or facility.
▪ Confirmation that the detainee’s name has been run through a computer system to check for any other outstanding charges, locally or elsewhere.
▪ Collection and storage of detainee property prior to incarceration.
▪ Photographing and fingerprinting (when applicable) detainees brought into the jail.
▪ Making cell assignments and maintaining applicable records.
▪ Issuing and maintaining bedding and other items as deemed necessary by the Chief of Police or their designee.
▪ Distributing, maintaining, and inventorying jail uniform clothing.
▪ Maintaining and updating applicable logs.
▪ Verifying detainee population count at the beginning of each shift.
▪ Physical check of detainees in the jail and documentation of the same at 30-minute intervals throughout the shift.
▪ Monitoring of detainees for suspicious or unusual behavior or activities.
▪ Escort and security of detainees while in custody, including to court appearance.
▪ Supervising shower privileges.
▪ Supervising of detainee visitation.
▪ Regular security checks of all interior and exterior jail doors.
▪ Monitoring of the jail security systems, plumbing, ventilation, electronic systems, etc., to ensure proper operation.
▪ Monitoring and maintaining the necessary quantity of supplies for adequate jail operations.
▪ Handles emergency or disaster situations involving detainees as they arise. (i.e. illness, injury, suicide watch, fires, attempted escapes, etc.).
▪ Transporting detainees to other facilities as needed.
▪ Upon the transfer of a detainee to another agency or institution, the Corrections Officer will ensure that any necessary documentation is complete, signed, and copies accompany the detainee.
▪ Ensuring detainee property is returned to or sent with the detainee at the time of their release or transfer.
▪ Other duties as assigned by the Chief of Police or their designee.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

The Corrections Officer will be under the direct supervision of the Alton Police Sergeant on duty, or any other officer as designated by the Chief of Police or their designee.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS
▪ Ability to cope with situations firmly, courteously, tactfully, and with respect for the rights of others.
▪ Good general intelligence and emotional stability with the ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions; and able to write and speak effectively.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
▪ Graduation from an accredited high school or the possession of a GED Certificate for high school awarded by a state or the United States Government.
▪ Minimum age of not less than 21 years.
▪ Possession of a valid driver’s license.
▪ Residency: Must be willing to establish and maintain their principle domicile within the counties of Illinois – Madison, Jersey, Macoupin, St Clair; Missouri – St Louis, St Charles within 90 days after the probationary period.

NECESSARY SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS
▪ Physical: Vision (in both eyes) not impaired more than 20/60 correctable to 20/20, and normal color perception, proven by appropriate tests.
▪ No physical disability or limitation that would prohibit the performance of assigned duties.
▪ Applicants must meet the physical and mental requirements of the position.
▪ Must successfully complete an extensive background investigation by the Alton Police Department.
▪ Applicants must be able to work a 12-hour day with rotating shifts.
▪ Applicants must successfully complete a Corrections Officer Course as certified by the State of Illinois.
▪ Must successfully complete a one-year probationary period, plus any time spent at Corrections Officers Academy.
▪ Must successfully pass department firearms training/qualification.

November 2023