What Is a Juvenile Detention Officer?
A juvenile detention officer usually works at youth detention centers — secure residential facilities for young offenders waiting for court hearings — or in long-term placement programs. Within the youth detention center, officers can be responsible for several aspects of the youths’ lives, including education, health, recreation and counseling. Juvenile detention officers are commonly in charge of caring for young people who are labeled a threat to society, or have run away from home or been charged with an illegal offense, such as alcohol possession.
A juvenile detention officer usually works at youth detention centers — secure residential facilities for young offenders waiting for court hearings — or in long-term placement programs. Within the youth detention center, officers can be responsible for several aspects of the youths’ lives, including education, health, recreation and counseling. Juvenile detention officers are commonly in charge of caring for young people who are labeled a threat to society, or have run away from home or been charged with an illegal offense, such as alcohol possession. The day-to-day duties of a juvenile detention officer vary depending on the specific facility and its needs, but generally include performing security checks, preventing violent or dangerous activities and investigating suspicious activity within the facility. Additionally, the officer interacts regularly with the young inmates, and helps to create a positive and educational atmosphere to help facilitate their re-entry into society. The
