DETENTION OFFICER

LAKE HAVASU CITY

CLOSING DATE: May 19, 2026

Salary: $22.72 - $32.05/Hr DOQ

*Trainee Salary: $20.44

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt                                                                                 

Department: PD/Jail

TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THIS POSITION: Complete an online application. Resumes in lieu of application will not receive consideration. Please attach certifications.

Join Our Team and Make a Difference!

Do you thrive in a fast-paced, high-responsibility environment? Are you ready to take on a career where safety, service, and justice are at the forefront every day? If so, Lake Havasu City wants YOU to join our dedicated team as a Detention Officer!

This is more than just a job — it’s a chance to serve your community, uphold public safety, and grow within a meaningful career in law enforcement support.

TO VIEW DETAILED JOB DESCRIPTION, Click Here

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

As a Detention Officer, you’ll play a key role in the safe and secure operations of the City Jail. From booking and monitoring arrestees to transporting prisoners and supporting court operations, no two days are the same. You’ll also:

• Receive and process arrestees into the facility
• Conduct searches, document property, take fingerprints & mugshots
• Monitor prisoner safety and facility security
• Transport inmates to courts, medical centers, and other facilities
• Oversee work-release programs and maintain daily jail logs
• Maintain inventory, assist with minor facility repairs, and more!

WHAT YOU BRING:

• High school diploma or GED
• Experience in a detention setting (preferred)
• Valid Driver License
• Ability to pass a thorough background check
• CPR, First Aid, AED & Food Handler’s Certification
  (Training available if not currently certified)

KEY SKILLS:

• Strong judgment in high-pressure situations
• Clear and professional communication
• Ability to de-escalate conflict and manage detainees safely
• Proficiency with basic computer systems and report writing
• Understanding of detention protocols and criminal justice processes

LOCATION:

City Jail Facility – Lake Havasu City

SCHEDULE:

Shift work may include nights, weekends, and holidays
(This role requires flexibility and reliability)

WHY JOIN US?

• Stable, full-time position

• Supportive team environment

• All required training provided

• Opportunity for advancement

• Serve your community with pride

Ready to Start a Career That Matters?
Apply today and become part of a professional team dedicated to integrity, service, and public safety.

Lake Havasu City offers an exceptional benefits package for full-time (FTE) employees: 

• Employer provided Medical/Rx (EPO or HSP)
• Dental/Vision
• Wellness Program
• Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible Spending Account/Health Savings Account
• Employer-Provided Basic Life Insurance
• Optional Additional Life Insurance
• Optional Insurance-Critical Illness, Hospitalization, Indemnity
• 11 Paid Holidays Annually
• Bereavement Leave
• Paid Vacation 
• Short Term Disability 
• Opportunities for advancement
• Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS)
• Optional Deferred Compensation
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Service Awards

Lake Havasu City is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Lake Havasu City is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, including, but not limited to, lactation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, or genetic information. 

Applicants for employment opportunities should be aware of the Lake Havasu City policies concerning the use of drugs and alcohol. These policies have not been altered by the passage of Proposition 207. The use of recreational marijuana is a violation of the City's Drug Free Workplace Policy. All positions within the City are required to submit to a pre-employment drug test. A positive result for drugs tested under the policy, including recreational marijuana, may be grounds for withdrawal of an offer of employment.  

The City reserves the right to consider only the most highly qualified applicants. The succeeding examination processes may be required: training and experience, testing, panel interview, employment eligibility verification (EEV) requirements, personnel evaluation profile (PEP), polygraph test, background investigation, and alcohol/drug screening test. Appointment subject to successful background investigation and City-paid post-employment medical examination after offer of employment has been made.