Detention Deputy #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.
The Sheriff Al Cannon Detention Center is recruiting highly motivated, conscientious and career oriented individuals who desire a career as a Detention Deputy.
Job Description #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, please watch the Virtual Tour video.
Minimum Qualifications #minimum_qualifications
- High School Diploma from an accredited school or GED
- US Citizen over 21 years of age to work at the Juvenile Detention Center; 18 and over to work at the adult Detention Center
- Valid driver's license with the ability to obtain a South Carolina DL upon acceptance of the position
- No criminal convictions carrying a sentence of more than 1 year
- Must be able to pass 3-week certification class at the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy within 1 year of hire
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
Immediate Disqualifiers #immediate_disqualifiers
If you have one of the following disqualifiers, you MAY be disqualified from the process.
- Felony convictions
- Illegal drug use in the last 2 years (marijuana use in the last 45 days)
- DUIs in the last 5 years
- Less than Honorable Discharge from the U.S. Military
- Judgements or Liens
- Default on student loans
- Pending criminal or civil cases
- Arrears in child support payments
- Poor driving history
If you have questions, please contact the Recruiter or Human Resources.
Sheriff's Human Resources Office
Phone: (843) 554-2499
Application Instructions #application_instructions
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.)
There are several ways to join our team of dedicated Detention Deputies.
The first option is the "Apply Online Now" button below.
The second option is in person at the Law Enforcement Center (contact info below).
You can pick up the application there or print the application pdf using the "Printable Application" button below and drop it off at the Law Enforcement Center. You may also contact the Sheriff's Human Resources office for questions at the number listed below.
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.
Selection Process #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 the Detention Deputies perform the following pre-employment requirements must be successfully completed:
- Applicant Questionnaire completed and turned in within a week of receiving it.
- Psychological Examination
- Background investigation
-
NCIC
- No felonies
- No DUIs within past 5 years
- No illegal drug use within the past 2 years (no marijuana use in the last 45 days)
-
Credit Check
- No liens or court judgements
- No defaulted student loans
- Interview
- Pre-employment medical examination
Preparing for the 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
- Know what to say if you anticiapte specific questions
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?
What to wear?
- Professional Business Attire
- Go Neutral
- Plug in the iron
- Dress to Impress
Men's Attire
- Suit (Navy blue, grey, black)
- Collared Button up Shirt
- Tie/ Bowtie
- Polished Shoes
Women's Attire
- Suit (Navy Blue, Brown, Grey, Black)
- Collared Shirt
- Pants or knee length skirt
- Pantyhose
- Proper Shoes
Recruit 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).
After 1 year probationary period, you may then apply for specialized areas.
Pay Scale #pay_scale
Base Pay*
$46,373 - $65,391 (Estimated Annual Salary) *12.25 - Hour Day
- Associates Degree - $1,000 added to base salary
- Bachelor's Degree - $2,000 added to base salary
- Masters Degree - $3,000 added to base salary
Longevity raises are awarded at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10 and every 5 years after year 10.
Merit raises begin at 6 years of service and are awarded in non-longevity years.
Weekly Tours #weekly_tours
The Charleston County Sheriff's Office is hosting weekly tours of the Sheriff Al Cannon Detention Center for citizens interested in starting their law enforcement career as a Detention Deputy.
Detention Center Tour Schedule
When:
Every Friday | 8:00AM – 10:00AM CLOSED for all County Observed Holidays
Who:
U.S. citizens 18 years of age or older intersted in becoming a Detention Deputy
Those interested should plan on arriving at the Detention Center lobby by 7:45AM on Fridays.
Please bring a South Carolina issued ID or driver's license for a security review prior to the tour.
Please wear appropriate attire and closed-toe shoes.
No children or cellphones are allowed inside the facility.
Tours will last approximately 1 hour.
Those who need further information can contact:
Captain Diane Turner
Phone: (843) 745-2384
Email: DTurner@CharlestonCounty.org
Recruiter #recruiter
For application questions, please contact the Detention Deputy Recruiter:
Sergeant Christine Harrison
Phone: (843) 529-5324
