FAQ

Officer Fitness Testing Requirements:

• Lift a container from the floor to a cart: 40lbs and 50lbs 2x each, 80lbs 1x, and 25lbs to a shelf 2x

• Push a loaded 4-wheeled cart, with 35lbs of force, 25 feet and back

• Perform 10 full squats, then maintain/hold a seated position for 2-minutes

• Lift a 30lb container, from floor to waist for 20 feet and 1 flight of stairs and place onto a 36″ shelf and return to start 2x’s

• Walk on a treadmill for 1 minute at 3.0mph. Continue for 2 minutes at 4.5 mph

• With no rest from the previous task, you will “Rescue Randy,” weighing 105 lbs, by rolling over onto his back, grasping under his arms and around his chest, and dragging him 25 feet before checking his heart rate with an oximeter

• Perform BTE task (attachment 802, 20″ height, 50lb torque, head on #5 with attachment parallel to the floor) grabbing bar with one hand at pivot point and other hand at the end of the bar, pushing down and holding for 30 seconds

• Perform BTE task (attachment 162) at waist height, grip strength of 13lbs, 10 repetitions with each hand

• Perform BTE task – key pinch rotation (2lbs of force) 15 repetitions with each hand

Great question! In order to apply, you must be at least 19 years old with a HS diploma or GED. Learn more about what it takes to be considered for a position with us. 

We have three operational shifts available for officers!

• First Shift:  6:45 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.
• Second shift:  2:45 p.m. to 11:15 p.m.
• Third Shift:  10:45 p.m. to 7:15 a.m.

Note: You will have a one-hour lunch break each 8 hour shift where you can eat in the staff dining room or leave campus to get food at a nearby food establishment.

Learn more about the benefits of working with us.

During your first year you will be assigned shifts, so that you can receive the best field training opportunities. We train on the job!

After your first year, you will bid shifts/days off every six months (in April and October) based on seniority. We value loyalty and commitment. 

Do you have what it takes to be a correctional officer?

We train on the job to ensure you are confident and ready to do your job.

• You will start out by completing a two-week orientation training period. This consist primarily of classroom training.

• You will complete two weeks of on-the-job training (OJT) during the shift you are assigned to.

• Following your OJT, you will enter the Field Training Officer (FTO) program. During this program you will work with a Sergeant and Training Coach Officer to learn all of your new duties.

• At some point during your first year, you will be pulled off of shift to complete a three-week Officer Academy. This will get you certified as a Nebraska Jail Officer.

• All officers also attend quarterly training sessions throughout the year.

We want you to feel confident and grow here. Your happiness matters to us. Learn more about our career opportunities.

As an Officer assigned to operations, you will work as either a Booking Officer, Infirmary Officer, Control Center Officer, Lobby Officer, Roving/Utility Officer, Kitchen Officer, or Pod Officer each day you work. You will rotate through these positions, so that you work each of them.

There are also “specialty” positions that you can put-in for after you have completed your Officer Academy. They are Transport Officer, Classification Officer, Training Coach, Property Sanitation Warehouse (PSW) Officer, and Inmate Work Crew Supervisor.

We have career options for all types of people that will showcase your strengths. Learn more.

As an integral part of the criminal justice system, the Lancaster County Department of Corrections provides community safety through secure, legal, and compassionate adult detention. We achieve this through the recruitment and development of professional staff who provide services which promote personal growth and reduce recidivism of those in our charge.

Our biggest point of difference is that we truly care about our inmates, our team, and our community. It takes commitment, compassion, and strategic thinking to be a correctional officer at Lancaster County Department of Corrections. Do you have what it takes? Learn more.

Lancaster County Department of Corrections will embody excellence in corrections as a progressive and innovative criminal justice leader by building community partnerships, utilizing advanced technologies, developing professional staff, and implementing comprehensive programming in a fiscally responsible manner.

Basically, we are professionals and a family here. We have each other’s backs and we care about making sure we are doing what is right by our team, inmates, and community. Do you have what it takes? Learn more.

We value knowledgeable and experienced staff who assist team members, detainees, and the community in fulfilling our mission.

We value clear communications that convey information, instructions, and direction to team members, detainees, and the community.

We value respect for team members, detainees, and the community as this is vital to fulfilling our mission.

We value fostering professionally trained staff who exemplify positive attitudes, strong work ethic, and dedication to the service of our team.

We value caring staff who interact with team members, detainees, and the community in a respectful and safe manner.

Do you have what it takes?

We think every day on our team is great!

You will have a mailbox and a locker in the staff locker rooms when you arrive to work.

There will be between 24 and 30 officers working at a time (depending on the shift). There are also between three and six supervisors working at a time.

At the beginning of your shift, you will attend shift briefing to receive passdown information and your assignment from your supervisor(s). This takes around 15 minutes.

Following briefing, you will go to your assigned area and receive passdown information from the Officer(s) you are relieving.

Partway through your shift, you will get to leave your post and take an hour break.

During the course of your shift you will work directly with the inmate population as you complete your assigned duties.

Every day you get to make a difference and we work hard to make sure our team feels valued and a part of the Lancaster County Department of Corrections family. Learn more about the benefits of working with us.

Your paycheck will be deposited into your bank account via direct deposit on a biweekly basis.

Pay periods end every other Wednesday at 2359 hours and your pay for the two week period will be deposited in your account the following Thursday.

You will be paid well! Our competitive pay and benefits are why people love working here. Learn more.

Yes! We value commitment and we value experience. Most of the Department’s supervisory positions are filled through promotion within the department.

Each year the Department establishes an eligibility list for promotion. A written skills and knowledge test is administered to interested officers followed by interviews of the top scorers.

Learn more about our career opportunities.

We’ve got you covered! No need to worry about what you are wearing to work each day. Other than footwear and a wristwatch, all uniforms and necessary equipment are provided by the Department. Our uniforms look pretty great too. See our officers in uniform and other benefits of the job by clicking below.