Detention Officer Cadet (Entry Level) - Registry

at Pinal County Government in Florence, Arizona, United States

Job Description

Please complete each section and answer all questions as thoroughly as possible. DO NOT state "See resume" in lieu of answering. If the question does not apply, mark N/A.  Unanswered questions, incomplete responses, omissions, or partial information may result in disqualification from the selection process and your application will be marked as INCOMPLETE

March 24, 2026 (must submit application by March 7*)

May 12, 2026 (must submit application by April 25

July 14, 2026 (must submit application by June 27*)

If qualified, eligible applicants will be notified via email regarding next steps

*Tentative Academy Dates: 

April 2026, June 2026, August 2026, October 2026, December 2026*

Eligible applicants will begin employment prior to Academy start date.

*ALL TESTING DATES ARE TENTATIVE AND SUBJECT TO CHANGE. EVERY APPLICANT MUST APPEAR IN PERSON TO TEST.

NOTICE TO APPLICANTS:

•  This announcement may be closed as soon as a sufficient number of qualified applicants have applied.

Detention Cadet Hiring Process

Detention Cadet testing typically occurs every other month.

Testing Day - The testing day consists of a physical agility test, a written test, and a preliminary background review.

You will need to have the following documents with you on testing day: 

• Birth Certificate, Naturalization Papers (Original Document) or Current Passport
• High School Diploma, GED, or transcript with graduation date (Original Document) or higher education certificates/diplomas
• Arizona Driver’s License (Original Document)
• Social Security Card (Original Document)
• Credit Report (Original Document) A Complete report is required on a thumb drive (only your score will not be accepted)
• DD 214 Copy Member 4 if discharged from Military or Selective Service Registration (Original Document)
• Vehicle Insurance Card 
• 3 years Certified Driving History Record (Original Document)

If all criteria is met, the Background Investigator will notify Human Resources to submit your personal information into ESOPH.

Failure to bring all documents with you on the testing day may delay in the testing process. 

1. Physical Agility Assessment -All applicants must participate and pass a Physical Agility Test, which consists of the following:

• Pushups (untimed):  15 or more
• Sit ups (1 minute):  19 or more
• 300 meter run:  75 seconds or better
• 1.5 mile run:  17:40 or better

2.  Written Test -An essay-style test is used to measure comprehension, grammar, and handwriting skills. You must complete this test with a passing grade to advance further in the testing process.

• 60 minutes duration
• Consists of 3 questions – 70% passing

3. Preliminary Background Review - You will meet with a Background Investigator and answer a short questionnaire.  You will need to have all documents required with you on testing day. If all criteria are met, the Background Investigator will notify Human Resources to submit your personal information into ESOPH.

4.  ESOPH Background -You will be sent a link to sign in, answer questions and upload any documents required.  You have seven (7) days to complete.

5.  Background Review - Once your background information has been reviewed and all required criteria have been met, you may be scheduled for a final background review.

6.  Computerized Voice Stress Analysis (CVSA) –Once your background information has been reviewed and all required criteria have been met, you may be scheduled for a Computer Voice Stress Analysis Test.

7.  Command Review -Once your background check is complete, our command staff will review it.   Upon approval, you may be invited to a Command Interview.

8.  Command Interview -You will meet and talk with the Command Staff. Upon approval, you will be extended a conditional offer of employment.  At this time, you will also be scheduled for a psych evaluation and medical review.

9. Official Offer - Once you have passed all steps including all medical, psych, background and CVSA, you may be extended an official offer and be scheduled a date to attend New Hire Orientation

PCSO DETENTION OFFICER SELECTION GUIDELINES:

 Application: 

1. Applicant will not receive nor are entitled to a copy of the contents of their test results. 

2. No documents, copies of reports submitted by the applicant will be returned. 

3. No documents, reports or information utilized for, or obtained, during the selection process will be furnished to the applicant. 

4. Applicant will not be advised of the reason(s) for non-selection. 

Drug Use: 

1. Marijuana –Each position shall be reviewed and determined on a case by case basis dependent upon the applicant’s required security access, including those with use of less than six (6) months. 

2. Dangerous Drugs/Narcotics/ Hallucinogens/Vaporous Substances – Any time within the past five (5) years. This includes methamphetamine, amphetamine, barbiturates, speed, spice, bath salts, crack, cocaine, heroin, opioids, mushrooms, ecstasy, LSD, ketamine, salvia, PCP, anabolic steroids, etc. 

3. Peyote/ Mescaline - Illegal use as described above. (Exception- Bona fide religious ceremonies) 

4. Sale, Production, Cultivation or Transportation for Sale of illegal drugs in last five (5) years or since becoming an adult. 

5. Pattern of abuse of ANY drugs to include marijuana, narcotics, dangerous drugs and prescription drugs. “Pattern of abuse” will be determined based on; type of drugs used, purpose for using, length of time used, and age of individual during use (minor or adult). 

Theft or Misappropriation of Property: 

1. Any demonstrated pattern of habitual theft. 

2. Any theft while serving in a position of trust. 

Acts Constituting a Felony or any Conviction for Domestic Violence Involving Physical Violence: 

1. A conviction for any act which would constitute a Felony in the State of Arizona, at any time. 

Fraud or Misrepresentation: 

1. Any intentional attempt to practice any deception or fraud in the Employment Application, Testing Process, or any failure to properly complete the application. 

Driving Record: 

1. Any recent demonstrated pattern of excessive traffic violations (for positions that require operation of a motor vehicle). 

Previous Positions Held: Any of the following may be disqualifiers: 

1. Having been disciplined by any employer, including military, as an adult for abuse of leave, gross insubordination, dereliction of duty or persistent failure to follow established policies and regulations. 

2. Having been involuntarily dismissed, for any reason other than layoff, from two or more employers as an adult. 

3. Having held more than seven paid positions with different employers within the past four years, or more than 15 paid positions with different employers in the past ten years (excluding military). Students who attend school away from their permanent legal residence may be excused from this requirement as well as other persons with a reasonable explanation for an extensive job history. 

4. Resigning from any paid position without notice may be disqualifying, except where the presence of a hostile work environment is alleged or other reasonable cause existed. 

1. If an applicant has served in the military their separation must be classified as “Honorable”, “General under Honorable conditions” or “Uncharacterized”.

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Must be a minimum of eighteen (18) years of age.
• Arizona residents must have a valid Arizona Driver’s License upon hire; newly established Arizona Residents must have one within 30 days of hire.
• Must pass a thorough background investigation.
• For ACJIS users - Must pass a thorough background investigation and background re-investigation every 5 years.

• Additional technical training and certifications may be required at the direction of the Sheriff or Designee.

• This position will have direct inmate contact and will work rotating shifts.
• Must attend and successfully complete a 9-week in-house Detention Officer training program and a Field Training program.  
• Accepting this position will require a TB skin test in the first 10 days of employment and annually thereafter. Failure to do so may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination.
• Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a criminal background check and verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications as applicable.

• Knowledge of Sheriff's Office policies and procedures, and detention Standard Operating Procedures (SOP).
• Knowledge of state and Federal laws, regulations, and statutes governing management of inmates and detention facilities.
• Knowledge of behavior patterns of incarcerated persons.
• Knowledge of processes, standards, and protocols for booking and releasing inmates.
• Knowledge of use-of-force rules.
• Knowledge of techniques of inmate control and defensive tactics.
• Knowledge of hazardous chemicals and materials, first aid, and CPR.
• Knowledge of principles of records management.
• Skill in interpreting laws and regulations, making decisions, maintaining composure, and working effectively under stressful conditions and emergency situations.
• Ability to remain alert at all times and react quickly and calmly in emergency situations and in dealing with situations requiring diplomacy, understanding, fairness, firmness, and sound judgment.
• Ability to communicate with inmates, mediate difficult situations, and use effective custody and control procedures.
• Ability to maintain and safely operate a variety of weapons, impact weapons, handcuffs and waist chains, special locks and keys, and chemical agents.
• Ability to interact with people of different social, economic, and ethnic backgrounds.
• Ability to operate a personal computer and software applications.
• Ability to work alternating work schedules, weekends, holidays and be subject to call-out.
• Ability to work various (12) hour shifts and be subject to mandatory overtime.
• Ability to work independently and as a team member.
• Ability to follow and effectively communicate verbal and written instructions.