HELENA – The Lewis and Clark County Sheriff’s Office is looking for new officers to help staff an expanded county detention center.
Sheriff Leo Dutton said Friday they will initially be hiring 18 new detention officers. Candidates will need to pass background checks. They will also have to go through a month-long detention officer training program at the Montana Law Enforcement Academy, if they haven’t passed already.
“If you have issues working in confined space or don’t have very good conflict resolution skills, maybe this job isn’t for you,” Dutton said. “But if you’re hoping to get a job as a peace officer, this is a great start. You work with great people, have great leadership.”
The county detention center has been severely overcrowded for years. Lewis and Clark County voters approved a bond and levy to pay for converting the entire Law Enforcement Center into jail space.
As part of the expansion project, Dutton said the department will eventually add a total of 33 new detention officers.
The renovation project is still several months away. Most of the work can’t begin until the sheriff’s office and the Helena Police Department move their offices into the new Law and Justice Center on Fuller Avenue.
However, Dutton said it’s important to begin the hiring process early, since it will take about six months before the new officers are ready to go to work.
These initial job openings will close on Sept. 11, but Dutton said the department will continue to advertise and hire new officers in several phases over the coming months.
If you are interested in applying for a detention officer position, you can find more information here.
