CORRECTIONS SERGEANT 72014

1/1/91 D

This is the first class in the Corrections Management series. Positions in this class provide first line supervision to Corrections Officers and Corrections Officer Trainees in adult corrections field units or institutions. Positions supervise security enforcement over inmates and physical plant and perform custodial, disciplinary and escape prevention duties. This class is distinguished from the Corrections Officer class by the Sergeant's supervisory responsibilities. This class is distinguished from the Corrections Lieutenant class performing duties in an institution, by the Lieutenant's responsibility for supervising a shift of Corrections Sergeants, Corrections Officers and Corrections Officer Trainees. This class is distinguished from higher administrative corrections positions performing duties in a field unit by the administrator's overall responsibilities for comprehensive program development and management.

Complexity of Work: Positions perform work of moderate difficulty by supervising the work performed by subordinate officers at assigned posts in all facility areas and assisting in maintaining the on- or off-premises security and safety of inmates assigned to adult corrections field units and institutions. Corrections Sergeants performing duties at institutions typically prepare and/or review logs and reports for accuracy, completeness and compliance with Department policies; investigate either inmate-related or subordinate-related complaints or incidents and initiate appropriate corrective action or refer them to higher level supervisory position for resolution when necessary; provide assistance as required to visitors of the facility; supervise and evaluate subordinates' activities and work performance; assign and/or transport inmates. Positions also order supplies and equipment required for appropriate maintenance of assigned area of supervision; may issue medications; sit on various committees and provide notary services to inmates. Positions may also identify and search resident or incoming inmates and others entering secure confines; search and/or inventory and disseminate incoming mail, packages, and inmate personal property and clothing. During emergencies, positions may also supervise or perform housekeeping, sanitation, and meal preparation and serving duties, as well as participate in searches for escapees.

In addition to the duties outlined above, Corrections Sergeants performing duties at field units typically prepare duty rosters, approve and/or monitor leave usage of subordinates; assign security posts; prepare activity reports; respond to emergency inmate grievances; provide formal and informal training to subordinates and trainees; participate in hearings and disciplinary actions involving subordinate officers.

Supervision Given: Provides immediate supervision to Corrections Officer Trainees, provides general supervision to Corrections Officers.

Supervision Received: Receives general supervision from a Corrections Lieutenant or higher ranking corrections official.

Scope: Positions perform work which affects the efficient and effective safety and security of inmates within adult corrections field units and institutions, as well as the safety of staff and those who are within or near the secure confines of a field unit/institution or external work gang.

Impact of Actions: Actions impact a unit of a facility such as shops, recreational, educational and medical areas, housing units and work gangs. Decisions and actions could have serious impact of the agency in that ineffective or inappropriate decisions and actions could result in long-term costs to the public, the Commonwealth and the agency in terms of time; money; services; public, staff, client and inmate safety and welfare; and the goodwill of the public.

Personal Contacts: Frequent internal and external contact with inmates, inmate families and visitors, staff, field unit/institutional visitors, vendors, contractors and the general public conducting business at the field unit/institution. Frequent internal/external contact with other law enforcement agencies, court officials, criminal justice and public service officials, community representatives, other state agencies, private and state medical personnel either conducting business with or providing services to the field unit/institution.

Knowledge: Working knowledge of policies, guidelines and laws governing correctional facilities and programs; methods of physical control, self-defense, first aid procedures, radio communications, evidence seizure and control; supervisory practices and principles.

Skills: Working skill in the use of firearms, radio equipment, physical control devices, electric and electronic controls.

Abilities: Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing with a variety of individuals; apply and interpret laws, rules and regulations; exercise good judgment in emergencies and in the use of lethal force and to direct subordinates in same; conduct thorough investigations and appraise evidentiary information; review and evaluate records and reports; analyze and resolve problems and provide supervision to inmates and subordinates.

QUALIFICATIONS GUIDE*

Licenses or Certification: Certification in state or federal criminal justice services programs; Virginia driver's license.

Education or Training: Graduation from high school or equivalency and successful completion of mandated training related to the duties of the position.

Level and Type of Experience: Progressively responsible corrections, criminal justice or law enforcement experience.

Additional Requirements: Must be able to satisfactorily pass a background investigation. There is no substitute for the successful completion of all phases of the mandated corrections training programs.

 

This class was redefined as a result of the statewide Classification Review/Specification Update Program, effective January 1991.