Job Details

Detentions Major

The Detentions Major provides strategic, operational, and administrative leadership for an assigned detention bureau or facility under the Sheriff's Office jurisdiction. This position is responsible for ensuring compliance with the Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS) and all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing the safe, secure, and humane detention of inmates. The incumbent oversees all jail operations, including security, inmate services, medical and mental health coordination, classification, staffing, and policy compliance.

The Detentions Major serves as a key member of the Sheriff's executive leadership team and provides expert guidance on matters affecting jail operations, staffing, facility management, and inmate welfare. This role requires a balance of strategic vision, operational discipline, and collaborative leadership across divisions and external partners.

This position emphasizes strong leadership, operational discipline, data-informed management, and interagency coordination to achieve high standards of safety, service delivery, and compliance.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Direct and oversee daily operations of the assigned detention bureau or facility under the Sheriff's Office jurisdiction, ensuring compliance with TCJS standards and applicable federal laws.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate operational policies, procedures, and performance standards to promote safety, efficiency, and accountability.
• Provide leadership and guidance to command-level staff, fostering a culture of professionalism, ethical conduct, and continuous improvement.
• Coordinate with medical, mental health, food service, and maintenance contractors to ensure high-quality inmate care and facility operations.
• Ensure compliance with the Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS) requirements within the assigned facility and coordinate with the Jail Commander on inspections and compliance activities.
• Develop and maintain relationships with courts, law enforcement agencies, and community partners to facilitate inmate services and successful reentry initiatives.
• Analyze data, trends, and incident reports to identify systemic issues and implement corrective actions.
• Coordinate with the Jail Commander to provide input on facility operations and long-term planning as directed. Represent the Sheriff's Office in meetings, audits, and community or interagency partnerships as directed.
• Perform other related duties assigned by the Jail Commander or Chief of Detentions.

Minimum Requirements

• 10 years of progressively responsible experience in jail, correctional, or law enforcement administration, including 5 years in a senior command or executive role.
• Demonstrated experience managing large-scale operations, budgets, and personnel within a regulated correctional environment. Comprehensive understanding of Texas Commission on Jail Standards requirements and best practices in detention management.
• Proven ability to lead large organizations, manage crises, and make sound decisions under pressure.
• A strong equivalent combination of education and leadership experience may be considered.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of evidence-based practices in corrections, reentry and mental health diversion.
• Expert knowledge of jail operations, inmate classification systems, and correctional management principles.
• Strong leadership and team-building skills with the ability to inspire confidence and accountability at all organizational levels.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Advanced analytical and problem-solving abilities, including data-driven decision-making.
• Proficiency in organizational planning, project management, and interagency coordination.
• Deep understanding of applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations, including TCJS standards, PREA, and constitutional requirements.

Licenses and Certifications

• Must possess and maintain a TCOLE Jailer License at time of appointment; a Texas Peace Officer License preferred.
• Must maintain compliance with all TCJS training and certification standards.
• Possession of a valid Texas driver's license required.

Preferences

• A degree in Criminal Justice, Public Administration, or related field.
• Graduate of advanced correctional or jail leadership programs (e.g., National Jail Leadership Command Academy, NIC Jail Administrator School, JEEP, or FBI National Academy).
• Demonstrated success managing operations in facilities exceeding 1,000 beds or overseeing multiple detention locations.
• Experience developing or implementing evidence-based practices, reentry programming, or technology-based efficiency initiatives.
• Proven record of collaboration with oversight agencies, county departments, and community partners.

General Information

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• Primarily located within a detention facility environment, with frequent movement between assigned areas, housing units, and administrative offices.
• May be exposed to correctional environments requiring heightened safety awareness and direct contact with inmates.
• Subject to 24/7 availability for emergencies, major incidents, or operational demands.

Position Type and Typical Hours of Work

• Position Type: Appointed by the Sheriff, Civil Service Exempt - Full-time, exempt

Other Duties:

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this position. Management may, at its discretion, assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Reporting Relationships:

• Reports To Position: Jail Commander / Chief of Detentions
• Supervises Positions: Managers

To Apply:

• Meet the requirements for transfer as stated in the Harris County Sheriff's Office Manual, Section 229, and be in an active status
• Complete the online job application (including employment history and education) and attach the following documents:
• Copy of the most recent evaluation (front and back) attached to the application
• Transcripts

Incomplete applications will delay the application process Note: Submission of an application/transfer request by an employee neither implies nor ensures the transfer will be granted Transfers will be decided based on the needs and the best interest of the HCSO Applicant submission of Job Request Packet does not guarantee an interview Equal Opportunity Statement Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, genetic information, or any other protected class in accordance with applicable federal and state laws.

Harris County offers a competitive benefits program, including comprehensive group health and related benefits plan as well as a defined benefit retirement plan. The following list of benefits is offered only to employees in regular (full-time) positions:

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Wellness
• Life Insurance
• Long-term disability
• Employee Assistance Program
• 10 days of vacation each year for the first five (5) years of service. Accrual rates increase based on years of service.
• 10 county holidays plus one (1) floating holiday
• Paid Parental Leave
• Professional development opportunities
• Dependent Care Reimbursement Plan
• Healthcare Reimbursement Account
• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan

The following benefits are also available to regular (full-time) employment and may be available to part-time employees:

• Retirement pension (TCDRS)
• Flexible schedules (varies by department)
• Transportation Assistance (Metro RideSponsor Program)

In accordance with the Harris County Personnel Regulations, Group Health and related benefits are subject to amendment or discontinuance at any time. Commissioners Court reserves the right to make benefit modifications on the County's behalf as needed.