Detention and Corrections
A career in detention and corrections offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact while supporting the safety and security of our community. Whether you're entering the profession for the first time or bringing prior corrections certification, you'll find a supportive team, extensive training, and opportunities for professional growth and advancement with one of Florida's largest sheriff's offices.
Explore the sections below to learn more about qualifications, salary, the hiring process, and training.
Not currently certified and ready to begin your career in detention and corrections? You're in the right place.
Recruits receive full deputy salary and benefits while attending the agency-sponsored corrections academy, as well as throughout in-house and field training.
From day one, you'll be paid to train, learn, and prepare for certification alongside experienced deputies and instructors. After successfully completing all training phases, recruits transition to the role of Detention and Corrections Deputy.
Already Florida certified or certified out of state and eligible for Florida certification? Check out our Certified Detention and Corrections position.
Why join PCSO as a Detention and Corrections Recruit?
- Hiring Incentives up to $30,000
- Full Deputy Salary During Academy and Training
- Agency-Sponsored Corrections Academy
- Work Approximately 14 Days per Month After In-House Training
- Free 24-Hour Fitness Centers
- Career Advancement Opportunities
- Specialized Units
Salary: $68,960
Recruits are full-time employees and receive full salary and benefits while attending the paid academy and completing all training phases.
Schedule:
Corrections Academy
Monday-Friday (day schedule; times vary)
In-House Training
Schedule varies based on training assignments.
Field Training
Recruits follow the schedule of their assigned Field Training Officer (FTO) and will train with several FTO's to gain exposure to different shifts and areas of the Pinellas County Jail.
Rotating 2-week schedule includes a 3-day weekend off every other week:
- Week 1
- Work: Wednesday-Thursday
- Off: Monday-Tuesday, Friday-Sunday
- Week 2
- Work: Monday-Tuesday, Friday-Sunday
- Off: Wednesday-Thursday
12-hour shift options:
- Day Shift: 6:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. or 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
- Night Shift: 6:00 p.m. – 6:00 a.m. or 7:00 p.m. – 7:00 a.m.
Post-Training Assignment
Upon successful completion of field training, Recruits transition to Detention and Corrections Deputy and are assigned to a 12-hour shift using the same rotating schedule.
After initial assignment, deputies may bid for shift selection every six months based on seniority.
Required to Apply:
- At least 19 years of age
- U.S. citizen
- High school diploma or GED from an accredited institution
- No felony convictions
- No illegal drug use within the past 12 months
- Applicants must also meet one of the following education requirements:
- College credits including English Composition I from a regionally accredited college
- Passing score on the Postsecondary Education Readiness Test (PERT)
Required During the Hiring Process:
- Complete the Criminal Justice Basic Abilities Test (CJBAT – Corrections)
- No visible tattoos on head, face, neck, ears, or hands while in uniform
- No nicotine or tobacco use upon hire
The hiring process may take up to 22 weeks. Steps may be completed out of order based on scheduling and availability.
- Submit Application
- Preliminary Interview
- Background Investigation
- Cooper Test
- Polygraph Examination
- Ride Along and Jail Tour
- Oral Board Interview
- Psychological Evaluation
- Medical Examination
- Sheriff Review and Final Approval
- Employment Offer
Recruits earn full deputy pay and benefits during the agency-sponsored corrections academy, as well as during in-house and field training.
Detention and Corrections Academy (13 weeks)
Recruits attend St. Petersburg College’s Southeastern Public Safety Institute (SEPSI), where they receive foundational instruction in detention operations, officer safety, defensive tactics, inmate supervision, and other core corrections skills.
In-House Training (3 weeks)
After graduating the academy, recruits complete agency-based training focused on department policies, procedures, and practical application of corrections operations.
Field Training (10 weeks)
Recruits are assigned to experienced FTOs, applying their training in real-world situations.
Already Florida certified or certified out of state and eligible for Florida certification? This role is for you!
Not certified and just beginning your Detention and Corrections career? Check out Detention and Corrections Recruit position.
Before applying, out-of-state certified applicants should contact the Police Applicant Screening Service (PASS) at 727-864-3822 to determine eligibility for the Equivalency of Training (EOT).
Applicants who are not eligible for EOT should apply for the Detention and Corrections Recruit position.
Why Join PCSO as a Certified Detention and Corrections Deputy?
- Hiring Incentives up to $56,500
- Experience Pay up to $73,374
- 10% Night Shift Differential
- Work Approximately 14 Days per Month
- One Free Meal per Shift
- Free 24-Hour Fitness Centers
- Career Advancement Opportunities
- Specialized Units
Starting Salary: $68,960
Deputies are full-time employees and receive full salary and benefits while completing all training phases.
Experience Pay
- 1 year: $69,649
- 2 years: $70,345
- 3 years: $71,223
- 4 years: $72,114
- 5+ years: $73,374
Schedule:
In-House Training
Schedule varies based on training assignments.
Field Training
Deputies follow the schedule of their assigned Field Training Officer (FTO) and will train with multiple FTOs to gain exposure to different shifts and areas of the jail.
Rotating 2-week schedule includes a 3-day weekend off every other week:
- Week 1
- Work: Wednesday-Thursday
- Off: Monday-Tuesday, Friday-Sunday
- Week 2
- Work: Monday-Tuesday, Friday-Sunday
- Off: Wednesday-Thursday
12-hour shift options:
- Day Shift: 6:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. or 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
- Night Shift: 6:00 p.m. – 6:00 a.m. or 7:00 p.m. – 7:00 a.m.
Post-Training Assignment
Upon successful completion of field training, deputies are assigned to a 12-hour shift using the same rotating schedule.
After initial assignment, deputies may bid for shift selection every six months based on seniority.
Required to Apply:
- Must be currently certified in Florida as a Corrections Officer or eligible for Florida certification through Equivalency of Training (EOT)
- At least 19 years of age
- U.S. citizen
- High school diploma or GED from an accredited institution
- No felony convictions
- No illegal drug use within the past 12 months
Required During the Hiring Process:
- No visible tattoos on head, face, neck, ears, or hands while in uniform
- No nicotine or tobacco use upon hire
The hiring process may take up to 22 weeks. Steps may be completed out of order based on scheduling and availability.
- Submit Application
- Preliminary Interview
- Background Investigation
- Physical Abilities Test (PAT)
- Polygraph Examination
- Ride Along and Jail Tour
- Oral Board Interview
- Psychological Evaluation
- Medical Examination
- Sheriff Review and Final Approval
Deputies receive full deputy pay and benefits while completing the agency-sponsored training, including the Equivalency of Training (EOT) process (if applicable), in-house training, and field training.
For Out-Of-State Certified Applicants Only
Equivalency of Training (1 week)
Deputies complete the seven-day, 41-hour Equivalency of Training Academy at Southeastern Public Safety Institute (SEPSI) to obtain Florida certification.
For All Certified Applicants
In-House Training (3 weeks)
Deputies complete agency-based training focused on policies, procedures, reporting standards, and operational expectations.
Field Training (10 weeks)
Deputies train under the supervision of experienced FTOs, applying their skills in real-world situations and transitioning into independent assignment.
