What is the hardest thing about being a detention officer?

Hi Jeannete,

Detention officers work to ensure the safe confinement of prisoners in a wide variety of settings. Many detention officers work in jails, overseeing prisoners after they have been arrested and before they go to trial. Detention officers are also employed at juvenile offender centers to keep the inmates in order. The job is quite dangerous and involves a high level of risk.

A detention officer's overall goal is the safe and smooth operation of jails and juvenile detention centers. They must monitor inmates to see that they are not causing harm to themselves or others. If fights occur, detention officers are responsible for breaking up the situation and reporting all misdemeanors to the warden. Detention officers may also be responsible for ensuring the safe transport of prisoners from pretrial detention facilities to courtrooms and standing guard while they await sentencing.

A detention officer must be able to resolve issues quickly and efficiently. Because situations can quickly become volatile, the officer must be able to stay calm and control his emotions. He must be able to come up with practical solutions to everyday problems. Good negotiation skills can make his work with prisoners easier. Communication skills, both oral and written, are desirable for this position. The officer must have physical strength and must be able to operate specialized law enforcement equipment.

http://work.chron.com/qualifications-detention-officer-14083.html
http://study.com/articles/Detention_Officer_Job_Description_Duties_and_Requirements.html

Good Luck!