Detention Center
The Shannon County Jail has had a long and storied past. With rich tales going back to the civil war. Now, as we begin a new year and new term, we are gradually moving forward. Forward to the newest incarnation of the jail facility. A modern justice center that includes modern state of the art jail cells. Locally grown and raised foods. Inmates who are treated equitably. Detention Officers who are well trained and prepared to meet the needs of the Sheriff's Office and the Inmate population. Detention Officers who have good interpersonal skills, and the ability to deescalate. Our jail, is your jail.
Booking
Booking is the initial part of the inmate experience. Typically a Inmate is brought in through the sally port, searched and then the Booking Officer takes the Arrestee's information for record, then changes them out into a jail uniform, then places personal belongings in storage. At that point the inmate is given and initial issue of supplies and a bed. A Booking Officer may be responsible for supervising meals, medications, mail, commissary and Inmate movements if a Pod Officer is not available. Then when the Inmate is to be released, the process is reversed.
Pod Officers
Pod Officers are responsible for all movement of inmates. This includes to and from court, visitation, special duties, the property room for change out, and attorney visits. Pod Officers will often directly supervise or assist with distribution of meals three times a day, medications four times a day. Initial issue of uniforms, linen and hygiene products. Delivering mail and commissary. As well as regular contact with the Inmates to ensure they following the rules / laws, and that their general welfare is maintained.
Pod Control Officer
The Pod Control Center is commonly considered the brain of the operation. This is where all access control is completed. Along with one of many surveillance observation points and intercom communications.
Bailiffs and Transport
Bailiffs are responsible for court security. They will often escort Inmates to and from the jail to court. They may provide security to the court, the Judge and all parties present. Bailiffs will remove the possibility of escape. Bailiffs will calm down agitated parties. They are often seen assisting the Judge with small tasks.
Bailiffs often transport inmates to and from our jail as well as other jails, treatment facilities, hospitals, Department of Corrections and to any location a Inmate is needed to be picked up or dropped off. In lieu of a Bailiff not being available, a Deputy or Posse member may be assigned to transport Inmates.
Jail Administrator
A Jail Administrator does what it sounds like. Administrative work. While Jail Administrators are commonly MO POST license and may work as a Patrol Deputy, they have found a rewarding life working the in the jail. A jail administrator has many responsibilities. Including ensuring court dates are met. Transports to and from other facilities are arranged. Payroll and accounting. Supplies are ordered and paid for. Meals are planned and paid for. The facilities meet code and standards. The list is long and very important.
Deputies & Posse
Current operational standard practices exist for all staffing levels. When staffing levels require minimal jail staff, Deputies and trained Posse members are asked to fill in. The tasks performed may include but are not limited to, meal and medication pass. Commissary pass, and security checks. Wake up and lights out procedures. These individuals assist for a short time. Often less than half an hour, to provide an extra layer of security to Detention Center staff.
Trustees
Trustees are Inmates who's crimes are not serious, and have displayed reasonably responsible behavior. These Inmates are given special tasks such as cooking and cleaning. In exchange they are offered additional freedoms.
Training
Training in a jail setting is a trial by fire. Often training will begin with a little hands on, on the job training under the supervision of a Supervisor, or a Field Training Officer. They will be taught tasks such as self defense, radio communications, escort procedures, de-escalation, fingerprinting, riot procedures, report writing, time management, and much more. Then the practical training will be supplemented by E-Learning. The E-Learning will provide a very large variety of important topics every Detention Officer should know. For example, laws regarding how to avoid bias, use of force, recognizing intoxicated behavior, first aid medical skills, Inmate constitutional rights, Officer responsibilities and more. Your Shannon County Detention Officers are well trained and very capable of completing the mission at hand while maintaining a safe and secure jail facility.
