Detention Commander – Sheriff's Office

About the role

The Detention Commander leads the daily operations of a county detention facility, ensuring the safety of staff, inmates, and the public while maintaining compliance with all legal and policy requirements.

Key responsibilities

• Supervise all aspects of detention facility operations, including inmate booking, housing, transport, commissary, and visitation.
• Interview, hire, schedule, and evaluate staff; approve overtime, time sheets, and leave requests.
• Inspect work to guarantee compliance with local, state, and federal laws and departmental policies.
• Oversee food‑service operations and conduct after‑action reports for emergencies or incidents.
• Develop and deliver training on use‑of‑force, inmate management, and best‑practice jail procedures.
• Research and integrate evolving court‑mandated standards into facility policies.
• Audit inmate time‑computation and ensure transport aligns with court orders and extradition requirements.
• Prepare annual budget recommendations and present financial plans to the Sheriff and Undersheriff.

Required profile

• Extensive supervisory experience in correctional or detention environments.
• Strong knowledge of local, state, and federal regulations governing inmate custody.
• Proven ability to manage large teams, conduct training, and handle emergency situations.
• Experience with budget development and financial reporting.
• Excellent analytical and policy‑development skills.

Required skills