Civilian detention officers will soon be staffing the Black Hawk County jail in Waterloo.

Sheriff Tony Thompson has begun accepting applications for the positions, which will be filled through attrition as civilians replace sworn deputies over time.

"While the county has enjoyed the professionalism and dedication of having sworn deputies in these positions for several decades now," Thompson said, "I also recognize the beneficial financial impact for the taxpayers of Black Hawk County”.

Source: Black Hawk County Sheriff
Source: Black Hawk County Sheriff
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Black Hawk is one of only a couple counties in Iowa that still employs deputy sheriffs to work in the county jail, Thompson said, adding the decision to transition to civilian detention officers was made after recent successful contract negotiations with the deputy's union.

The sheriff acknowledged that recent law changes that more widely recognize the role and authority of the civilian jailer and the necessity to explore creative responses to low recruitment and applicant pools for sworn civil service positions, also contributed to the decision.

“For those potential applicants who are looking for an introduction to a career in criminal justice, or those who know what it is to work long days with minimal compensation and are looking for an employment opportunity that will present them with quality pay and employment benefits," Thompson said, "the jail presents an advantageous employment opportunity. Successful hires will also be performing a much-needed professional service to our
county.”

Applicants must apply on-line through the county’s employment application portal at: http://www.co.black-hawk.ia.us/316/JobOpenings and will be required to pass a pre-employment aptitude test, polygraph, background check, occupational health screening, drug test, and oral interview.

Anyone interested in learning more about this position and potential employment opportunity with the Black Hawk County Sheriff’s Office is encouraged to review further information at: http://www.bhcso.org under the “Employment” tab.

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