5 Amazing detention officer Resume Examples (Updated 2023) + Skills & Job Descriptions

More than just keeping an inmate environment safe and secure, your passion is all about caring for people with respect, in spite of their circumstances. Your calm nature, attention to detail, and organizational skills are evident as you obtain fingerprints, transport prisoners, and perform cell checks, all while maintaining order and discipline. As a detention officer, you confidently handle firearms, prepare incident reports, and supervise jail visitors. Although you know that you will pass the background check and any training required for a new position, the first thing you need is an interview with the busy hiring manager who only has minutes to consider your application. The key to that door is a detention officer resume. Even if you have years of experience, constructing a document that highlights your skills and abilities can be overwhelming. We are here to help you through the process with expert-approved writing advice and tips. By following our templates and resume sample, you will soon be on your way to securing your new job.

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detention officer: Resume Samples & Writing Guide

Employment history

Chief Detention Officer, Northrop Grumman Falls Church, Virginia

January 2018 – Present

Ensure compliance with laws, regulations, and policies
Maintain order, discipline, and safety of inmates
Provide counseling and guidance to inmates

Associate Detention Officer, General Dynamics Falls Church, Virginia

June 2017 – December 2017

Monitor inmates and ensure security of detention facility
Investigate incidents and violations
Conduct searches of inmates and their living areas

Entry Level Detention Officer, Booz Allen Hamilton McLean, Virginia

December 2016 – May 2017

Ensure compliance with laws, regulations, and policies
Supervise and direct inmate activities
Prepare and maintain records and reports

Education

FBI Academy, Quantico, Virginia

Doctor of Philosophy in Criminal Justice, October, 2016

FBI Academy, Quantico, Virginia

Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security, October, 2012

Skills

Presentation

Professionalism

Stress Management

Documentation

Computer Proficiency.

Surveillance Techniques

Law Enforcement Procedures

Defensive Tactics

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Employment history

Chief Detention Officer, US Army Corps of Engineers Washington, D.C.

June 2018 – Present

Monitor inmates and ensure security of detention facility
Provide direction and assistance to inmates
Provide counseling and guidance to inmates

Associate Detention Officer, Booz Allen Hamilton McLean, Virginia

January 2017 – May 2018

Ensure compliance with laws, regulations, and policies
Provide direction and assistance to inmates
Conduct searches of inmates and their living areas

Jr. Detention Officer, US Department of Homeland Security Washington, D.C.

June 2016 – December 2016

Participate in training and development activities
Ensure compliance with laws, regulations, and policies
Monitor visits with inmates

Education

FBI Academy, Quantico, Virginia

Forensic Science Certificate, May, 2016

Skills

Collaboration

Negotiation

Documentation

Organization

Defensive Tactics

Emergency Response

Computer Proficiency.

Arrest Procedures

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Employment history

Lead Detention Officer, Lockheed Martin Bethesda, Maryland

February 2019 – Present

Monitor visits with inmates
Participate in training and development activities
Prepare and maintain records and reports

Associate Detention Officer, L-3 Communications New York, New York

February 2018 – January 2019

Prepare and maintain records and reports
Monitor visits with inmates
Administer and enforce regulations

Jr. Detention Officer, Northrop Grumman Falls Church, Virginia

August 2017 – January 2018

Conduct searches of inmates and their living areas
Provide counseling and guidance to inmates
Monitor inmates and ensure security of detention facility

Education

U.S. Coast Guard Academy, New London, Connecticut

Doctor of Philosophy in Law Enforcement, June, 2017

U.S. Coast Guard Academy, New London, Connecticut

Bachelor of Science in Law Enforcement, June, 2013

Skills

Self-Motivation

Time Management

Negotiation

Conflict Resolution

Patrolling

Computer Proficiency.

Courtroom Testimony

Arrest Procedures

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Professional Summary

Highly motivated Detention Officer with extensive experience in law enforcement and security. Possesses strong interpersonal skills and the ability to maintain order in a high-pressure environment.

Employment history

Chief Detention Officer, General Dynamics Falls Church, Virginia

December 2012 – Present

Ensure compliance with laws, regulations, and policies
Participate in training and development activities
Perform other related duties as assigned

Detention Officer, US Army Corps of Engineers Washington, D.C.

June 2012 – November 2012

Escort inmates to court appearances and other activities
Investigate incidents and violations
Respond to emergency situations

Jr. Detention Officer, US Department of Homeland Security Washington, D.C.

June 2011 – May 2012

Monitor visits with inmates
Maintain order, discipline, and safety of inmates
Supervise and direct inmate activities

Education

U.S. Coast Guard Academy, New London, Connecticut

Bachelor of Science in Law Enforcement, April, 2011

Skills

Reliability

Public Speaking

Networking

Communication

First Aid

Weapons Handling

Evidence Collection

Surveillance

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Employment history

Lead Detention Officer, US Department of Homeland Security Washington, D.C.

April 2020 – Present

Participate in training and development activities
Provide counseling and guidance to inmates
Escort inmates to court appearances and other activities

Detention Officer, SAIC Reston, Virginia

April 2019 – March 2020

Maintain order, discipline, and safety of inmates
Monitor inmates and ensure security of detention facility
Respond to emergency situations

Jr. Detention Officer, General Dynamics Falls Church, Virginia

September 2018 – March 2019

Maintain order, discipline, and safety of inmates
Perform other related duties as assigned
Ensure compliance with laws, regulations, and policies

Education

U.S. Army Intelligence Center, Fort Huachuca, Arizona

Master of Science in Fire Science, August, 2018

U.S. Army Intelligence Center, Fort Huachuca, Arizona

Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, August, 2014

Skills

Professionalism

Documentation

Listening

Collaboration

Search and Seizure

Evidence Collection

Law Enforcement Procedures

Surveillance

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detention officer Job Descriptions; Explained

If you're applying for an detention officer position, it's important to tailor your resume to the specific job requirements in order to differentiate yourself from other candidates. Including accurate and relevant information that directly aligns with the job description can greatly increase your chances of securing an interview with potential employers.

When crafting your resume, be sure to use action verbs and a clear, concise format to highlight your relevant skills and experience. Remember, the job description is your first opportunity to make an impression on recruiters, so pay close attention to the details and make sure you're presenting yourself in the best possible light.

detention officer

Monitor inmate activities inside jail cells and during activity time
Ensure that inmate movement is coordinated appropriately, handle head counts and manage emergency response when required
Provide prompt assistance to inmates in the event of illness and trauma
Break up fights between inmates and attempt to control inmate physical contact
Restrain disorderly inmates
React appropriately in tense and uncertain situations
Ensure that inmates are appropriately fed and clothed and that hygiene is maintained

detention officer

Processing inmates; maintaining jail security; serving meals; transporting inmates. Receives and processes inmates into custody of institution; searches prisoners; takes charge of personal property.
Provides inmates opportunity to call attorney or relative; advises inmates on institutional rules and regulations.
Transports inmates to medical, court and related facilities.
Receives, counts, records and washes all laundry in the jail.
Dispenses personal and cell cleaning equipment; keeps record of money received from inmates.
Distributes medication to inmates as prescribed or directed.
Records visits; inspects items brought into the jail; checks incoming and outgoing mail.

detention officer

Work along ICE agents to process incoming and outgoing detainees.
Update and maintain accurate account of all detainee information in database.
Generate daily logs and reports of activity in the camp.
Answer question from the public.

detention officer

Supervise inmates in housing units and those segregated for administrative or punitive measures.
Instruct inmates in housekeeping and sanitation; supervise the issuance of clothing and other personal effects to inmates.
Make periodic patrols of quarters and work areas and initiate counts of inmates at regular and irregular intervals.
Maintain control and discipline including use of physical restraint and restraining devices.
Prevent the introduction of contraband into the institution.
Check inmate mail for possible contraband; maintain a periodic patrol either inside or outside the institution to ensure the security and integrity of the institution.
Monitor, supervise and screen inmate visitor traffic.

detention officer

Patrolling or controlling an assigned duty post
Responsible for facility functions and documentation or care, custody, and control of an Inmate population
Ensured Inmate safety and address issues and concerns of inmates while enforcing safety and security
Responsible for documenting serious incidents involving Officers and Inmates
Escorting Inmates in and out of facility for medical emergencies, and responding to officer emergencies throughout the facility
Performed multi-party investigations in which all parties would be interviewed for detailed and accurate reports supported by images and video evidence

1 2 3 4 5

detention officer Job Skills

For an detention officer position, your job skills are a key factor in demonstrating your value to the company and showing recruiters that you're the ight fit for the role. It's important to be specific when highlighting your skills and ensure that they are directly aligned with the job requirements, as this can greatly improve your chances of being hired. By showcasing your relevant skills and experience, you can make a compelling case for why you're the best candidate for the job.

How to include technical skills in your resume:

Technical skills are a set of specialized abilities and knowledge required to perform a particular job effectively. Some examples of technical skills are data analysis, project management, software proficiency, and programming languages, to name a few.

Add the technical skills that will get hired in your career field with our simple-to-use resume builder. Select your desired resume template, once you reach the skills section of the builder, manually write in the skill or simply click on "Add more skills". This will automatically generate the best skills for your career field, choose your skill level, and hit "Save & Next."

Weapons Handling
Physical Fitness
Surveillance
Patrolling
Self-Defense
Surveillance Techniques
Arrest Procedures
Report Writing
Emergency Response
Use of Force
First Aid
Defensive Tactics
Law Enforcement Procedures
Radio Communication
Conflict De-escalation
Evidence Collection
Investigation Techniques
Search and Seizure
Tactical Driving
Courtroom Testimony
Computer Proficiency.

How to include soft skills in your resume:

Soft skills are non-technical skills that relate to how you work and that can be used in any job. Including soft skills such as time management, creative thinking, teamwork, and conflict resolution demonstrate your problem-solving abilities and show that you navigate challenges and changes in the workplace efficiently.

Add competitive soft skills to make your resume stand-out to recruiters! Simply select your preferred resume template in the skills section, enter the skills manually or use the "Add more skills" option. Our resume builder will generate the most relevant soft skills for your career path. Choose your proficiency level for each skill, and then click "Save & Next" to proceed to the next section.

Communication
Interpersonal
Leadership
Time Management
Problem Solving
Decision Making
Critical Thinking
Creativity
Adaptability
Teamwork
Organization
Planning
Public Speaking
Negotiation
Conflict Resolution
Research
Analytical
Attention to Detail
Self-Motivation
Stress Management
Collaboration
Coaching
Mentoring
Listening
Networking
Strategic Thinking
Negotiation
Emotional Intelligence
Adaptability
Flexibility
Reliability
Professionalism
Computer Literacy
Technical
Data Analysis
Project Management
Customer Service
Presentation
Written Communication
Social Media
Troubleshooting
Quality Assurance
Collaboration
Supervisory
Risk Management
Database Management
Training
Innovation
Documentation
Accounting
Financial Management
Visualization
Reporting
Business Acumen
Process Improvement
Documentation
Relationship Management.

How to Improve Your detention officer Resume

Navigating resume pitfalls can mean the difference between landing an interview or not. Missing job descriptions or unexplained work history gaps can cause recruiters to hesitate. Let's not even talk about the impact of bad grammar, and forgetting your contact info could leave your potential employer hanging. Aim to be comprehensive, concise, and accurate.

Employment history

Chief Detention Officer, Raytheon Waltham, Massachusetts

December 2013 – May 2022

Investigate incidents and violations
Conduct searches of inmates and their living areas
Prepare and maintain records and reports

Associate Detention Officer, Northrop Grumman Falls Church, Virginia

July 2012 – November 2013

Investigate incidents and violations
Escort inmates to court appearances and other activities
Participate in training and development activities

Jr. Detention Officer, L-3 Communications New York, New York

July 2011 – June 2012

Conduct searches of inmates and their living areas
Maintain order, discipline, and safety of inmates
Prepare and maintain records and reports

Education

U.S. Army War College, Carlisle, Pennsylvania

Security Management Certificate, May, 2011

Skills

Adaptability

Communication

Analytical

Project Management

Evidence Collection

Computer Proficiency.

Search and Seizure

Investigation Techniques

Provide your Contact Information and Address Year Gaps

Always explain any gaps in your work history to your advantage.

Key Insights

Employers want to know what you've accomplished, so make sure to explain any gaps using a professional summary.
Adding extra details and context to explain why you have a gap in your work history shows employers you are a good fit for the position.

How to Optimize Your detention officer Resume

Keep an eye out for these resume traps. Neglecting to detail your job roles or explain gaps in your career can lead to unnecessary doubts. Grammar blunders can reflect negatively on you, and without contact information, how can employers reach you? Be meticulous and complete.

Employment history

Senior Detention Officer, Lockheed Martin Bethesda, Maryland

March 2019 – Present

Perform other related dutys assinged.
Prove counceling an guidiance too inmates.
Provide directions and assitance too inmates.

Associate Detention Officer, General Dynamics Falls Church, Virginia

September 2018 – February 2019

Prepair and maintane record's and report's.
Ensure complience with lawes, regulatons, and policys.
Resond too emergency sitiations.

Jr. Detention Officer, Booz Allen Hamilton McLean, Virginia

September 2017 – August 2018

Education

FBI Academy, Quantico, Virginia

Doctor of Philosophy in Cybersecurity, July, 2017

FBI Academy, Quantico, Virginia

Bachelor of Science in Emergency Management, July, 2013

Skills

Critical Thinking

Flexibility

Listening

Adaptability

Self-Defense

Emergency Response

Law Enforcement Procedures

Weapons Handling

Include Job Descriptions and Avoid Bad Grammar

Avoid sending a wrong first impression by proofreading your resume.

Key Insights

Spelling and typos are the most common mistakes recruiters see in resumes and by simply avoiding them you can move ahead on the hiring process.
Before submitting your resume, double check to avoid typos.

detention officer Cover Letter Example

A cover letter can be a valuable addition to your job application when applying for an detention officer position. Cover letters provide a concise summary of your qualifications, skills, and experience, also it also gives you an opportunity to explain why you're the best fit for the job. Crafting a cover letter that showcases your relevant experience and enthusiasm for the Accounts Payable role can significantly improve your chances of securing an interview.

Chief Detention Officer
Raytheon
Waltham, Massachusetts

Greetings Raytheon Hiring Team

As a Detention Officer with a proven track record of success in Law Enforcement & Military & Security, I am excited to apply for the Chief Detention Officer position at Raytheon. I believe that my skills and expertise would make a valuable contribution to your team.

As someone who has always been curious and eager to learn, I have pursued my education and gained experience in areas like Cyber Security to develop my skills in my work. This experience has given me the opportunity to lead major projects and provide my input in diverse areas, which have helped me gain a deeper understanding of the industry. I am excited to bring my passion and expertise to the role at this company and work towards achieving your organization's goals.

I appreciate the opportunity to apply for the Chief Detention Officer position. I am confident that I can make a valuable contribution to your organization and that together there is no challenge that we cannot overcome. I will be waiting, hopeful for what the future will bring.

With gratitude,
Hal Ingram
843-636-7299
halingram56@gmail.com

Hal Ingram

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