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Home > Careers > Detention Deputy

Detention Deputy

Detention Deputy recruitment generally occurs three times per year (or as needed), with our Basic Peace Officer Academies starting in January, April, and August each year.  Testing, screening, and oral board interviews are conducted to form an eligibility list/hiring pool of candidates.  To be notified via email when the next Detention Deputy recruitment begins, subscribe to the Law Enforcement category under Job Notifications.

Out of state applicants: please be aware that the selection process requires you to be in Boise for one to two visits.  If selected for a vacancy, one additional, longer visit is required for the hiring process steps.  Before applying, please make sure you can commit to the time and expense involved.

"Two deputies standing near a van parked inside"

Career Opportunities/Collateral Duties within the Jail Services and Court Services Bureaus:

  • Classifications
  • Health Services
  • Jail Lobby
  • Inmate Housing

And many more!

  • Emergency Preparedness
  • Fire Safety
  • Processing Team/Booking
  • Special Response Team
  • Firearms Instructor
  • Jail Investigations
  • Security Liaison
  • Training Coordinator
  • Courthouse Security
  • Inmate Transports
  • Community Transition Center
  • Video Court

Work Schedule/Shifts

Most Detention Deputies work 12.2-hour shifts, either the day shift (6:48am-7:00pm) or night shift (6:48pm-7:00am).  They work four days on, then have four days off (working 2,220 hours per year).  There is a shift pick every six months.  Detention Deputies must be available to work every shift option.

Advancement Opportunities

Deputies are able to compete for the rank of sergeant when they have their Idaho Intermediate POST certificate. The selection process typically includes a policy exam, peer review survey, supervisor feedback, scenarios, and an oral board interview.

Sergeants are able to compete for the rank of lieutenant. The selection process typically includes a peer review survey, supervisor feedback, and oral board interviews.

Lateral Transfer Wage Information 

While the selection process and academy training are the same as non-certified applicants, those transferring from other agencies may receive a higher wage upon employment. View our wages plan.  To be eligible for lateral wages, applicants must have current POST certification.

  • Level II = Either (1) Two years’ experience working as a commissioned POST certified detention deputy or patrol deputy OR (2) Four years’ experience working in a state correctional system as a corrections officer.
  • Level III = Either (1) Four years’ experience working as a commissioned POST certified detention deputy or patrol deputy OR (2) Six years’ experience working in a state correctional system as a corrections officer.
  • Level IV = Either (1) Six or more years’ total experience as a commissioned POST certified detention deputy or patrol deputy OR (2) Eight years’ experience working in a state correctional system as a corrections officer.