Detention Officers are a vital part of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office as they are charged with the care, custody, and control of the thousands of inmates at the Harris County Jail.
Detention Officers report to and receive assignments, instructions, and direction from Sergeants, Lieutenants, and Captains.
The duties of a detention officer include, but are not limited to, monitoring and documenting jail inmate activities, and controlling and directing inmates while out of jail cell areas (e.g. transfers, work assignments, meals, recreation, etc.).
Detention Officers may also qualify to attend the Basic Peace Officer Course at our academy and become a Deputy Sheriff if they meet both the requirements set by the agency and the criteria to become a Texas Peace Officer.
Detention Officer Applicants are no longer required to run a mile and half as part of the physical ability testing.
CAREER
Careers
Why HCSO
Welcome and thank you for your interest in Career Opportunities with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office. Join us in our mission to enhance the safety and protect the trust of the citizens of Harris County by enforcing the law with integrity and professionalism. Each employee is provided basic life, medical, dental and vision insurance coverage at no cost; dependents can be added at an additional cost. Vacation and Sick Leave is accrued in accordance with Harris County Regulations. Each employee can accumulate a total of 240 hours of compensatory time. Overtime will be paid for any hours worked over 240 hours. All employees are enrolled in the Harris County Retirement plan (Texas County and District Retirement System). Each employee contributes 7% of their base pay. Retirement is allowed when the years of service plus your age equals 75 ("Rule of 75" ).