Guilford County looks to fill dozens of detention officer vacancies

The Guilford County Sheriff's Office says it is in dire need of detention staff and is boosting recruitment efforts to fill numerous positions.

Currently the department has 65 vacancies. Some officers expressed concerns over pay and staffing at a recent county commissioners meeting.

These positions manage the safety and care of inmates and help oversee the county's jail facilities in Greensboro and High Point.

The agency is stepping up recruitment measures to attract more interest. That includes outreach on social media and providing a $5,000 signing bonus.

Last year, the Guilford County Commissioners approved an across-the-board five percent raise for county employees. This and a step increase model for the sheriff's department boosted starting pay for these positions. 

The new minimum starting salary with no experience is more than $40,600. Those with 15 years of experience would see a starting salary of nearly $57,000. Extra pay incentives are also available for having a college degree, speaking a foreign language or military service.

Captain David Pruitt says an information session was held earlier this week and more are being planned.

“We are asking anybody, even if you haven't applied and you are just interested in learning more about a career as a detention officer to please come," says Pruitt.

The next information event will take place on August 31 from 6-8 p.m. at the Sheriff's Office Administrative Building on West Washington Street in Greensboro.

Follow WFDD's Keri Brown on Twitter @kerib_news