In Corrections, there are a number of divisions which allows corrections officers a variety of work opportunities. The position of a corrections officer is very challenging, and at the Penobscot County Jail, we consider our officers to be professional as they manage a very challenging occupation.  All corrections officers must pass a rigorous background check, polygraph examination, and departmental physical.  Applicants must be 21 years of age, of good character and background.  One month of level A and B training is completed with new hires prior to being assigned to the cellblock. Areas covered, but not limited to, are training in the areas of Haz-Mat, blood-borne pathogens, self-defense, report writing, security procedures, first aid, and CPR. Within the first year, all full-time corrections officers must complete level C training, which is held at the Maine Criminal Justice Academy in Vassalboro.

     CIT (Crisis Intervention Team) With cooperation from NAMI, we have trained our Correction Officers in crisis intervention. CIT officers are specially trained officers who have the skills to recognize and  respond appropriately to people experiencing a psychiatric crisis.  CIT officers have learned how to de-escalate people who are in crisis they also help by facilitating care by our on site mental health professionals.

     Security officers book inmates that are brought into the facility by municipal, county, state, and federal agencies or those sentenced by the courts. Over 5000 inmates are processed yearly. Fingerprints no longer are taken with the inking  method but now are completed utilizing the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS).  Fingers are rolled across a glass and electronic images are printed, as well as electronically exported to the State Bureau of Investigation in Augusta .  From there, felony fingerprints are forwarded electronically to the Federal Bureau of Investigations fingerprint repository.  Digital photographs now replace film methods allowing for images to be stored in the computer in conjunction with the name file and history.  Inmate screenings for medical and mental health issues are also a function of the security officers.  Deck officers manage the direct observation of inmates and attend to many duties on the block during their shift.  It is the responsibility of the staff to ensure that no inmate leaves in worse condition than which they arrived.  It is the responsibility of the Program Division to assist inmates in programs and community-service projects in an effort to help those wishing to advance their lives while incarcerated.

     Control Room Officers control movement in and out of the facility, as well as the doors throughout the entire facility.  This is accomplished through a state-of-the-art computerized touch-screen control panel.  Officers request doors into, out of, and throughout the facility to be opened through radios, intercoms, and cameras.  Cameras record all movements in the facilities' common areas and recording devices document activities in the event that an incident occurs.

      Training Division-A training officer oversees all training within the entire Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office.  Both the law enforcement and correctional divisions are required to meet minimum training standards as set by the Maine Criminal Justice Academy.  All officers of our agency meet or exceed these standards. Candidates wishing to be sponsored by the Sheriff’s Office into the MCJA 100 hour pre-service school may apply by contacting the training officer.  The candidate is subject to a background check and approval by the sheriff. Candidates must be of good character and not have any substantial driving history or any criminal history. Tuition costs are borne by the candidate.  Successful completion of the MCJA Alert Test must accompany the application and the Academy charges $40.00 for the test.  Training Officer-Sergeant Richard Harburger (207)947-4585 .

     Programs Division- The sheriff has two inmate work crews that provide free labor to municipalities and non-profit agencies in Penobscot County. In addition inmate helpers work in the jail providing for cleaning, sewing laundry, etc. Combined these programs resulted in over 71,000 of free labor to the taxpayer.  Requests by municipalities and non-profit agencies can be directed to Programs Supervisor-Sgt. Laura Lebreton 947-4585. The schedule fills quickly.

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