Detention Deputy
detention-deputy
The Sheriff Al Cannon Detention Center is recruiting highly motivated, conscientious and career oriented individuals who desire a career as a Detention Deputy.
Mission Statement: The mission of the Sheriff Al Cannon Detention Center is to serve and protect the Citizens of Charleston County by maintaining secure jail operation and facilities while preserving the rights and dignities of all who are incarcerated.
Job Description: As a Charleston County Detention Deputy, you will join an outstanding team responsible for protecting the public by providing care and custody of inmates housed within the Sheriff Al Cannon Detention Center. This important position will not only enhance your communication, teamwork and interpersonal skills, but, will also give you the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of the detainees and the community. As a Detention Deputy, you will have the ability to work on a variety of specialized teams throughout the Detention Center and court system including: Booking, Identification, Classification, Special Operations Group, Transportation, Court Detention, Juvenile Detention Center and Central Control.
To get a glimpse of what working inside the detention center is like click on the Virtual Tour tab on the left and see.
qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
- High School Diploma from an accredited school or GED
- US Citizen over 21 years of age
- Valid driver’s license with the ability to obtain a South Carolina DL upon acceptance of the position
- No criminal convictions
- Must pass three week certification class at the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy
benefits
Benefits
- Pay commensurate with education and experience
- Health, Life, Vision, Dental and Disability Insurance
- 10 County holidays observed
- Vacation and Sick Leave
- Uniforms and Equipment Provided
- Retirement Plan
- Training Opportunities
- Merit and Longevity Pay Increases
- Deferred Compensation Plan (optional)
- Employee Assistance Program
- Employee Wellness Program
- Approved for the GI Bill®
- Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness
disqualifiers
Immediate Disqualifiers
If you have one of the following disqualifiers, you MAY be disqualified from the process. If you have questions, please contact the Recruiter or Human Resources.
Sheriff's Human Resources Office
Phone: 843-554-2499
- Felony Convictions
- Drug Use in the Last 2 Years; Marijuana Use in the Last 45 Days
- DUIs in the last 5 years
- Less than an Honorable Discharge from the Military
- Judgements or Liens
- Defaults on Student Loans
- Pending Criminal or Civil Cases
- Must be current on Child Support Payments
instructions
Application Instructions
There are several ways to join our team of dedicated Detention Deputies.
The first option is online at ccsojobs.com or clicking the button below.
The second option is in person at Law Enforcement Center, 3691 Leeds Ave. North Charleston, SC 29405. You can pick up the application there or print the application below and drop it off. The Sheriff's Human Resources office can also be reached at (843)554-2499
Once you apply, qualified applicants will receive an email or letter in the mail advising of a test date. Please make sure your email address and mailing address are up to date so we can ensure you receive your letter.
If your test date needs to be rescheduled for some reason, please contact the Sheriff's Human Resources office at (843)554-2499.
Some of the important documentation you will need are listed below:
- Birth Certificate - Social Security Card - Driver's License
- Certified Driver's History from any state(s) licensed in the past 5 years including SC
- Request a 10 year SC Driver's History from local DMV
***All drivers' history must be dated within the last 90 days*** - High School Diploma or GED
- DD214-Member 4 Copy (Military Applicants Only)
- Official College Transcripts (College graduates only. Must be in sealed envelope.)
testing
Testing
The first step following the application in the hiring process is to pass the Nelson Denny Reading
Test.
The Nelson Denny is a two part exam made up of vocabulary and reading passages.
The test is multiple choice with no penalty for wrong answers.
The total time for the proctored exam is about 45 minutes.
The first part of the Nelson Denny is vocabulary knowledge. This section is 15 minutes long with a total of 80 questions. Each question is worth 1 point.
The second part of the exam tests comprehension. It is 20 minutes long and contains 1 long and 6 short passages with 38 corresponding questions worth 1 point each.
Applicants must obtain a minimum score of 33 out of 80 on the vocabulary and 16 out of 38 on the comprehension to continue to the next phase.
There are several free sources available online to assist with the test as well as practice exams.
selection
Selection Process
The Sheriff Al Cannon Detention Center is recruiting highly motivated, conscientious, and career oriented individuals who desire a career as a Detention Deputy.
Due to the nature of the work that Detention Deputies perform the following pre-employment requirements must be successfully completed:
- The Nelson-Denny Vocabulary and Reading Comprehension Test and tour of the facility
- Polygraph Questionnaire Completed and Turned in within a week of receiving it.
- Polygraph test
- Psychological Examination
- Background Investigation
- NCIC
- No Felonies
- No DUI’S within past five years
- No illegal Drug use within the past two years
- Credit Check
- No liens or court judgements
- No Defaulted Student Loans
- Interview
- Medical/Physical Examination
Interview Tips:
- Research the organization.
- This will help you answer questions — and stand out from less-prepared candidates.
- Seek background information.
- Visit the organization’s website to ensure that you understand the breadth of what they do.
- Review the organization's background and mission statement.
- Compare your skills and qualifications to the job requirements.
- Analyze the job description. Outline the knowledge, skills and abilities required.
- Look side-by-side. Compare what the employer is seeking to your qualifications.
- Prepare responses.
- Pay attention to non-verbal communication.
- Be mindful. Nonverbal communication speaks volumes.
- Project confidence. Smile, establish eye contact and use a firm handshake.
- Posture counts. Sit up straight yet comfortably. Be aware of nervous gestures such as foot-tapping.
- Be attentive. Don't stare, but maintain good eye contact, while addressing all aspects of an interviewer's questions.
- Manage reactions. Facial expressions provide clues to your feelings. Manage how you react, and project a positive image.
- Follow Up
- Many interviews end with “Do you have any questions?”
- Be strategic. Cover information not discussed or clarify a previous topic — do not ask for information that can be found on the organization’s website.
- In your opinion, what makes this organization a great place to work?
- Tell me about the organization’s culture?
- What are the opportunities for advancement?
- What are the next steps in the hiring process?
Attire:
- Professional dress
- No short pants
- No flip-flops
- No revealing clothing
- Plan what to wear.
- Go neutral. Conservative business attire, such as a neutral-colored suit and professional shoes, is best.
- Plug in that iron. Make sure your clothes are neat and wrinkle-free.
- Dress to impress. Be sure that your overall appearance is neat and clean.
training
Recruit Training
The mission of the Training Division at the Detention Center is to primarily meet the specific training requirements as mandated by state and federal minimum standards.
From the time a recruit is first hired until the day that they decide to retire, Training strives to offer each person the professional guidance and development that turns the position from a job into a career.
One of the motto’s of the Training Division is “help us help you”. Our New Recruits go through 4 weeks of classroom training to gain a comprehensive foundation on which to build their careers. In those first four weeks recruits will learn a variety of topics including search techniques, gang identification, defensive tactics and CPR and first aid.
After the completion of the in classroom training, recruits are then assigned a Field Training Instructor for hands on training for 21 shifts.
After completion of the 21 shifts with a Field Training Instructor recruits are given an exam and a board interview to ensure that the recruit as well as the training department are confident in the recruits ability to perform their duties.
The recruits will then register at the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy for three weeks to complete the Basic Jail Certification ( this must be completed within the first year of hire and will result in a 3% pay increase after completion).
After 1 year probationary period, you may then apply for specialized areas.
pay-scale
Pay Scale
Base pay $35,464 - $51,702
(Estimated Annual Salary)
- Associates Degree - $1,950 added to base salary
- Bachelor’s Degree - $2,850 added to base salary
- Masters Degree - $3,450 added to base salary
You will receive 3% after graduating the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy.
3% after your 1 year probationary period.
Longevity raises are awarded at 3, 5, 6, 10 and 15 years.
Merit Raises begin at 7 years of consecutive service.
Master Detention Deputy is awarded after 5 years of continuous service and is a 9% increase to your salary base.
photos
Virtual Tour
weeklytours
Weekly Tours
The Charleston County Sheriff’s Office is hosting weekly jail tours at the Al Cannon Detention Center for citizens interested in starting their law enforcement career as a detention deputy. Tours will be held 8-10 a.m. every Friday, and a representative with HR will be on hand to process job applications. Applicants must be 18 years or older.
Those interested should plan on arriving at the Detention Center lobby at 7:45 a.m. Fridays. Please bring a South Carolina-issued ID or driver’s license for a security review prior to the tour. No children or cellphones are allowed inside the facility. Tours will last approximately an hour, and a representative from HR will be available to get interested applicants started. Those who need further information can contact Capt. William White at 843-529-2384 or wwhite@charlestoncounty.org.
WHAT: Al Cannon Detention Center tours
WHEN: Every Friday, 8-10 a.m.
WHERE: 3841 Leeds Ave., North Charleston, SC 29405
WHY: Detention deputy recruitment
WHO: Citizens age 18 and older
HOW: Show up at the Detention Center lobby at 7:45 a.m. Bring a South Carolina-issued ID or driver’s license for security review prior to the tour. Please wear appropriate attire and closed-toe shoes. No cellphones, and no children. Tour will take approximately an hour, and an HR representative will be available afterward for those interested in applying for employment.
Recruiter
For any questions on applying or during the application process contact:
Detention Deputy Recruiter T. Reed at treed@charlestoncounty.org or at 843-529-7390.