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DCS CSOs are sworn law enforcement officers. On the job they interact with convicted felons every day... and help provide opportunities for positive change.
Becoming a DCS CSO is not easy. A page of disqualifying conditions sets the standard that recruits will uphold the public’s trust if chosen for a position with DCS. Applicants must be 21, have a driver’s license, and a bachelor’s degree.
At the interview, all applicants must be medically cleared and pass a psychological assessment and a criminal background check, including fingerprinting. Each applicant’s references and driving history are thoroughly examined. A week after the initial interview, promising applicants are asked to schedule a Digital Voice Stress Analysis exam--a computerized polygraph-like test that measures applicant’s psychophysiological stress responses and identifies if an applicant is being deceptive.
If selected, applicants must then enter a grueling 8-week basic training program.
This job is hard. Starting pay is in the low $30s, although we have a lot of advancement opportunities.
The people we recruit are extremely capable, intelligent, trustworthy individuals--they have plenty of career options.
The people who join our team and thrive here do it because they are answering a call to serve.
-Johnny Knatt, DCS HR